WaterSMART Access for Tribes ActThis bill allows the Department of the Interior to reduce or waive the nonfederal cost share of certain grants and agreements for assisting Indian tribes in planning, designing, or constructing any water management improvement or carrying out any water-related activity if Interior determines that paying the cost share would result in a financial hardship for the tribe.
Impact
By increasing access to grants, HB635 aims to facilitate infrastructure improvements specifically for Tribal nations, thereby potentially leading to better water conservation practices. The legislation includes provisions that allow the Secretary to reduce or waive the non-Federal share of project costs if fulfilling that share poses a financial hardship for an Indian Tribe. This adjustment is critical for many Tribes that may struggle with funding even small contributions towards large-scale projects.
Summary
House Bill 635, known as the WaterSMART Access for Tribes Act, is designed to amend the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 with the primary objective of enhancing Tribal access to water conservation and efficiency grants. The bill seeks to address the challenges that Indigenous communities face in securing necessary funding for essential water management projects, recognizing the vital role that water plays in the sustainability and development of Tribal lands.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support for its intention to empower Tribal communities, there may be concerns regarding reliance on federal grants and the adequacy of such funding to meet the vast needs of these communities. Critics could argue that while waiving the non-Federal share is beneficial, it may not sufficiently address the long-term sustainability of water infrastructure on Tribal lands, especially in the face of climate change and growing water scarcity issues. Additionally, there might be apprehension about the administration and oversight of these grants to ensure that they are effectively utilized.
IHS Contract Support Cost Amendment Act This bill allows tribes to receive contract support costs for activities that would otherwise be carried out by the Department of the Interior or the Department of Health and Human Services for direct operation of a program, but for which the costs are not fully covered by the amount of funds required by the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975.
To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to administratively transfer covered parcels of National Forest System land to the Secretary of the Interior to be held in trust for the benefit of Indian Tribes.
To amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize grants to Indian Tribes to further achievement of Tribal coastal zone objectives, and for other purposes.
To amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 with respect to cost sharing provisions for the territories and Indian Tribes, and for other purposes.
A bill to provide grants to States, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations for activities to increase the availability of child care options and to support the child care workforce, and for other purposes.
To amend the Act of June 18, 1934, to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian Tribes, and for other purposes.
A bill to amend the Act of June 18, 1934, to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian Tribes, and for other purposes.