E.P.A. Declares $7.8 Million for Environmental Enhancements on Tribal Lands in Central California

SAN FRANCISCO - The E.P.A. announced $5.4 million in backing to invest in Central California tribes for environmental programs, water infrastructure development, community education and capacity building. The announcement was made at the 22^nd Yearly Regional Tribal Conference in Sacramento, California

"The federal government is committed to protecting human health and the environment in Indian Country," said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA's Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. "This backing will help conserve precious water resources, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life on tribal lands."

This year Central California tribes will use about $5.6 million to continue tribal environmental programs, cleanup open dumps, conduct small construction projects, targeted community outreach, drought mitigation and community education - the cornerstone of tribal environmental programs.

The tribes in the state will use the additional $2.2 million for a wide variety of water quality plans including watershed protection and restoration, water and energy efficiency, wastewater reclamation, and treatment systems. The funds also support drinking water infrastructure, plant operator training, and technical assistance.

For example, this year, the Yocha DeHe Wintun Nation will use funds to support development of a community composting pilot plan to demonstrate the benefits of composting and teach residents how to reduce their waste stream. The Big Sandy Rancheria will gain backing to support enhancements at their community transfer station, including fencing and purchase of a needed cardboard baler.

These funds are critical in building the capacity of tribes to carry out environmental work. Because most tribes in the Pacific Southwest have small governments, one goal of the backing is to assist tribes in developing their ability to establish environmental protection programs and make informed decisions about issues that impact the health of their people and the quality of their environment. The funds are used to develop environmental and public health ordinances, and coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions.

The EPA's Pacific Southwest Region is home to 148 tribal nations with half of Indian Country nationwide concentrated in 3 states; Indian Country in California, Arizona and Nevada is about equal to area of the 6 New England states combined.

For more information please visit: http://www.epa.gov/region9/tribal

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