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U.S. Senators Tina Smith, a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and Amy Klobuchar (both Democrats) announced federal funding to connect Tribal homes to clean electricity, including homes previously not connected to electricity at all.
Minnesota tribes selected for funding include Prairie Island Indian Community, Red Lake Nation and Bois Forte Band of Chippewa.
The grants are made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which Senators Smith and Klobuchar both supported.
“For generations, Native communities have been hurt by underinvestment and underfunding of basic infrastructure. Our transition to a clean energy economy can’t leave Indian Country behind,” said Senator Smith. “This funding gets us closer to ensuring every household in Minnesota, including on Tribal lands, have access to clean electricity.”
“This federal grant will deliver critical clean energy infrastructure improvements,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Investments into clean electricity are vital for securing the power grid in Tribal communities and bolstering the transition to renewable energy.”
“We are excited and honored to have received the funding from the Biden-Harris Administration America Agenda to Electrify Homes Across Indian Country with Clean Energy. This funding will assist us in the implementation capacity to bring critical renewable energy that is reliable and affordable for our Tribal Members,” said Bois Forte Band Chairwoman Cathy Chavers. “The training of our tribal members to become certified in clean energy operations will provide future employment opportunities as we work towards our goal of providing zero emissions energy systems.”
Native American households lack access to electricity at far higher rates than the national average. Understanding the unique challenges Tribal nations face, the Tribal Electrification Program provides not only financial assistance to Tribes for clean energy projects, but also technical assistance in applying for funding.
Bois Forte Band will receive $295,000, Prairie Island Indian Community will receive $500,000 and Red Lake Nation will receive $600,000.
