Archive

An additional $2 million has been transferred to the Cobell Education Scholarship Fund, bringing the total amount contributed so far to $19.5 million, providing financial assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native students wishing to pursue post-secondary and graduate education and training.

Jewell today concluded an official Asia-Pacific trip with a visit to the U.S. Territory of Guam, where she met with Governor Eddie Calvo and addressed local business leaders, underscoring the vital importance of Guam to the Pacific region and the United States.

Secretary Jewell welcomed UNESCO's designation of the missions, including the Alamo. Much of the missions is public land managed by the Department of the Interior.

Secretary Jewell joined Chinese officials to establish a sister park relationship between Shenandoah National Park in the United States and Baihuashan National Nature Reserve in China, creating a framework for the parks to foster international cooperation in preserving and promoting these protected areas.

Secretary Jewell met with Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang last week to discuss cooperation between the two countries in combating illegal trade in wildlife that threatens to drive species into extinction.

U.S. Secretary Jewell finished her visit in Vietnam, where she met with senior government officials including Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to discuss the nations' cooperation in combatting illegal wildlife trafficking.

Secretary Jewell and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Washburn announced a reform of the process Indian tribes undergo to receive federal recognition, promoting transparency, consistency and speed.

Through the Interior’s Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations, Deputy Secretary Connor today announced, more than $500 million has been paid to landowners to restore the equivalent of nearly 850,000 acres of land to tribal governments.

Secretary Jewell today announced that about 1,900 local governments around the country are receiving a total of nearly $405 million under the 2015 Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program. “Rural communities across the country contribute significantly to our nation's economy, food and energy supply, and help define the character of our diverse and beautiful country,” Secretary Jewell said.

The Secretary applauded the granting of presidential trade authority by Congress, noting benefits a Pacific trade partnership could bring to environmental protection and stop illegal wildlife trafficking.