5 March 2024
TOPEKA (KSNT) – President Joe Biden is investing millions in tribal communities across the country along with a substantial amount of cash going towards Kansas tribes.
On Tuesday, March 5, the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) announced in a press release that 21 Native American communities in the U.S. will receive $72 million in funds from Biden’s White House to help them electrify their homes. The cash comes from the Inflation Reduction Act which is aimed at creating clean energy sources in homes across the country.
“Every home deserves to have access to reliable, affordable electricity – and now, with historic investments from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we’re bringing much-needed resources to Indian Country to electrify homes with abundant clean energy sources,” said DOI Secretary Deb Haaland. “As we implement this new and innovative program, we will continue to support Tribal communities as they work to develop their electricity infrastructure and help meet our shared clean energy goals.”
The current round of funds being distributed with this announcement from the DOI is aimed at providing electricity to unelectrified tribal homes through zero-emissions energy systems, transitioning electrified tribal homes to zero-emissions energy systems and supporting associated home repairs with the installation of zero-emissions energy systems.
“Indian Country’s revitalization and future depends on Tribal households, schools and businesses having access to clean, reliable power,” said DOI Assistant Secretary Newland. “The Tribal Electrification Program is important for providing Tribes a much-needed boost to their efforts of closing the access-to-electricity gap in their communities.”
Two tribes in Kansas, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation ($305,000) and Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska ($9,400,000), will be receiving money following this announcement. Another round of funds is expected to be revealed later this year.
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