Antonia Gonzales

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) is announcing more than $6.3 million in technical assistance funding for tribal water projects across the country. The funding, announced in Washington, D.C., will support 10 projects aimed at improving access to clean and reliable water in Native communities. The investment comes through the agency’s Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program (TAP), which helps federally recognized tribes manage, develop, and protect water resources. Officials say the program is part of the federal government’s trust responsibility to tribes, and has supported projects across 17 western states since 2016. Acting Commissioner Scott Cameron says the need for these projects remains urgent. In a statement, Cameron says, “These projects speak to the needs that remain in these communities… many focus on ensuring communities have safe drinking water and sanitation.” The funded projects include a range of water infrastructure improvements, from drinking water system installation and re