EPA announces over $11.5M in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants to Tribes in Alaska, Idaho, and Washington
SEATTLE – This week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $11,563,595 in grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia in Alaska, Idaho, and Washington through the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grant program. EPA selected nine Tribal entities to receive grants, with funding amounts ranging from $939,629 to $1.5 million.
“These grants help Tribal communities make important upgrades to improve household hazardous waste collection, expand composting infrastructure, and provide local job training for waste management operations,” said Emma Pokon, Regional Administrator for EPA Region 10. “Empowering communities with this funding has a positive impact on community health, along with growing local economies and protecting natural resources.”
“These grants further energize our American economy by improving recycling, cutting disposal costs, reducing waste in landfills and extending landfill life, and creating good paying local jobs,” said Acting Assistant Administrator for Land and Emergency Management Thomas Croci. “By improving Tribal recycling infrastructure EPA supports the recovery of domestic sources of raw materials, local economies and provides tangible health benefits to communities across Indian Country.”
The goal of the SWIFR grants is to improve local waste management systems, meeting Congress’ goal to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system. Projects funded in Alaska, Idaho, and Washington include expanding Tribal capacity to manage post-consumer materials and organic waste, hands-on technical assistance and workforce training, and support for hiring additional staff.
Tribal entities awarded SWIFR funding in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest
Alaska:
- Kenaitze Indian Tribe ($978,782)
- Kodiak Area Native Association ($1,499,675)
- Kokhanok Village ($1,491,468)
- Native Village of Nightmute ($1,090,067)
- Newtok Village ($939,629)
- The Tyonek Native Corporation ($1,500,000)
Idaho:
- Nez Perce Tribe ($1,168,187)
Washington:
- Makah Indian Tribe of the Makah Indian Reservation ($1,395,787)
- Tribal Solid Waste Advisory Network, Inc. ($1,500,000)
By sponsoring a more efficient and robust solid waste management system in Tribal communities, these grants reduce the burden on landfill capacity, increase valuable materials for end-markets, establish collection services and composting programs, create new jobs, and improve quality of life.
To learn more, visit Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia.