05.25.18

Hoeven Announces $1 Million Grant to Support Water Supply Improvements for Turtle Mountain

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the Agriculture Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has awarded a $1 million grant to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. The funds will support the replacement of the reservation’s water mains, which are currently too small to adequately supply the residents and are at risk of potential contamination when under low pressure.

“Our communities need updated infrastructure that not only serves current residents, but supports future growth,” Hoeven said. “This funding is an investment in the health and quality of life of Turtle Mountain’s members.”

Today’s funding is being awarded in part due to Turtle Mountain’s designation as a federal promise zone. Promise zones work to improve quality of life and break the cycle of persistent poverty by fostering collaboration between the federal government, local governments, the private sector and community organizations. Hoeven wrote to USDA in support of Turtle Mountain’s promise zone application in 2016.

Hoeven has also introduced the Cultivating Resources, Opportunity, Prosperity and Sustainability (CROPS) for Indian Country Act, bipartisan legislation that would strengthen tribal self-governance for USDA programs. This includes providing greater certainty for the current Tribal Promise Zone designees, including Turtle Mountain and Spirit Lake. The legislation, which was passed by the Indian Affairs Committee earlier this month, would ensure the four Tribal Promise Zones continue to have access to resources and technical assistance from federal agency partners.

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