In hopes of combating reducing the disproportionate effects of climate change, the Department of the Interior recently announced that tribal communities will be the recipient of $45 million investment for climate resilience projects. The investment is supported by $20 million in funding from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and $25 million from FY22 annual appropriations.

From the Department of the Interior:

These Tribal Climate Resilience projects will support Tribes and Tribal organizations in adaptation planning, climate implementation actions, ocean and coastal management planning, capacity building, relocation, managed retreat, and protect-in-place planning for climate risks.

Indigenous communities are facing unique and intensifying climate-related challenges that pose an existential threat to Tribal economies, infrastructure, lives and livelihoods,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are making an unprecedented investment in Indian Country to help ensure that Native communities will have clean air, drinkable water, fertile soil and an overall good quality of life for generations to come.”

The 124 awards will support 76 Tribes and 8 Tribal organizations and directly support additional Tribes through cooperative planning and shared information and tools.