WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs announced that $10 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda will be made available to support the restoration of ecosystems located in previously mined tribal lands.
“This investment supports our efforts to revitalize tribal communities by helping to conserve and restore important ecosystems they depend on for their cultural, spiritual, and public health needs,” said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland. “This effort exemplifies the Biden-Harris administration’s dedication to building a more ecologically resilient and sustainable future for Tribal nations and all Americans.”
Previously mined lands present a serious threat to the environment and to human health and safety due to soil, air and water pollution; and abandoned mining machinery and infrastructure. These lands also threaten wildlife by putting them at risk of entrapment and from habitat loss and fragmentation. Restoring previously mined federal lands, however, allows these lands to be returned to public use for recreation, cultural practices and enjoyment.
Funds will be offered in two funding cycles with $6 million to support projects in fiscal year 2025 and $4 million to support projects in fiscal year 2026. The funding is being offered to advance re-vegetating lands that have been mined, as well as mitigating or removing environmental hazards on such lands.
The announcement also advances the Biden-Harris administration’s respect for tribal sovereignty and commitment to ushering in the next era of federal policies that support tribal self-determination, as reaffirmed in President Biden’s Executive Order 14112, “Reforming Federal Funding and Support for Tribal Nations to Better Embrace Our Trust Responsibilities and Promote the Next Era of Tribal Self-Determination.”
