Tribal Investments

Tribal communities have too often been left behind and not given a seat at the table for the decisions that impact them and their communities, including project development and funding opportunities. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will invest more than $13 billion directly to Tribal communities across the country. This critical funding will repair roads, bridges and rails, expand access to clean drinking water, and advance environmental justice. 

The Department of the Interior received $466 million to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for infrastructure projects and climate resiliency initiatives. In addition, the Department received a historic investment of $2.5 billion to help the Department fulfill pre-existing settlements of Indian Water Rights claims. 

Projects funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law include: 

• $2.5 billion to implement the Indian Water Rights Settlement Completion Fund to help deliver long-promised water resources to Tribes and a foundation for future economic development for entire communities dependent on common water resources.  
• $250 million for Tribal dams and water projects to address irrigation, power systems, dam safety and water sanitation.  
• $216 million for Tribal climate resilience which will support adaptation and fund community relocation planning and design for Tribal communities impacted by rising seas, coastal erosion and storm surges. 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is the largest investment in physical and natural systems in American history, including resources to make Tribal communities safer and their infrastructure more resilient to the impacts of climate change.  

Resources: 

• Readout of White House Roundtables with Tribal Leaders on Implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law | The White House 
• Biden Administration Releases Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Guidebook for State, Local, Tribal and Territorial Governments | The White House 
• FACT SHEET: President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Advances Economic and Public Health Opportunities for Tribal Communities | The White House 
• President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law | The White House 
• Bipartisan Infrastructure Law | Indian Affairs (bia.gov) 
• BIL Consultation Presentation (bia.gov)