Kilmer Announces Nearly $14 Million in Climate Resilience Funding for Local Tribes
TACOMA, WA – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced the allocation of $13.74 million in support of climate preparedness and resilience efforts for Tribal nations within Washington’s Sixth Congressional District. The funding, made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, is distributed through the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Branch of Tribal Climate Resilience. The allocated funding is as follows:
- $4,000,000 for the Hoh Indian Tribe’s Hoh Highlands Development Project Phase I. Housing Project
- $3,999,562 for the Makah Indian Tribe’s Makah Critical Infrastructure & Community Health Resilience Project
- $3,999,027 for the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe’s Jamestown Relocation of Tribal Trust Assets
- $594,940 for the Puyallup Tribe’s Traditional Agriculture and Green House Infrastructure Implementation Project
- $215,192 for the Squaxin Island Tribe’s The Cost of Rising Seas vs. The Risks of Inaction Project
- $250,000 for the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe’s Port Gamble S’Klallam Planning for Ecologic and Hydrologic Resiliency Under Climate Change Project
- $250,000 for the Hoh Indian Tribe’s Hoh Highlands Master Plan Project Hoh Highlands Master Plan Project
- $162,126 for the Lower Elwha Tribal Community’s Resilience Rising: Lower Elwha’s Climate Adaptation Plan
- $169,274 for the Suquamish Indian Tribe’s Simulating Nutrient and Contaminant Flows into Bays and Inlets on the Kitsap Peninsula that Affect Shellfish Beds Project
- $98,015 for the Suquamish Indian Tribe’s Addressing Emergency Management Climate Change Impacts on the Port Madison Reservation Project
“The nearly $14 million in new climate resilience funding for local Tribes in our region represents a lifeline for communities at the forefront of the climate crisis,” said Rep. Kilmer. “This funding will empower Tribes to implement critical projects that will enhance their resilience against the ever-increasing threats of climate change, including rising sea levels. It is imperative that we continue to support these projects, as they not only protect Tribal homelands and heritage but also pave the way for a sustainable future for Indian Country. I am proud to have played a role in securing this funding and remain committed to advocating for the resources necessary to uphold the federal government’s responsibilities to Native nations.”
In December, Rep. Kilmer wrote to Bureau of Indian Affairs Director Darryl LaCounte in strong support of Tribal Climate Resilience funding for the Hoh Indian Tribe’s Hoh Highlands Development Project Phase I. Housing Project.
The Hoh Indian Tribe, recognized federally and located on their reservation along the Pacific Coast in Washington State, is particularly vulnerable due to its low elevation, putting it at significant risk from severe weather events such as winds, floods, and tsunamis. To safeguard its people and the reservation lands, the Tribe initiated the Hoh Highlands Development Project. This project’s goal is to relocate the residents and Tribal facilities to safer, higher ground.
“The $4 million award to the Hoh Tribe is a testament to the strength and resilience of this community in the face of climate challenges,” said Rep. Kilmer. “This funding is a crucial step in supporting the Tribe’s efforts to safeguard their homeland, culture, and future generations from the increasing threats of climate change. I am proud to have supported the Hoh Tribe’s application and am committed to continuing our work together to ensure a sustainable and vibrant future for the Tribe and its members.”
“Located in a 100-year flood plain and tsunami zone along the Pacific Ocean and the mighty Hoh River, the Hoh Indian Tribe has been working for decades to relocate our community to higher elevation given the lower village on the Hoh Indian Reservation faces extreme threat of harm from natural disaster due to climate change, geographical isolation, and limited infrastructure,” said Darlene Hollum, Chair of the Hoh Indian Tribe. “The Tribe deeply appreciates the hard work and commitment of the Washington congressional delegation on enactment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and congressional appropriations and the dedication and focused engagement of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in assisting the Tribe on this pressing need. We raise our hands in deep thanks to Senator Murray, Senator Cantwell, and Representative Kilmer and to President Biden for helping to make safe housing a reality for the Hoh people.”
For more information on the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Branch of Tribal Climate Resilience (TCR) FY 2023 Annual Awards Program funding recipients, click here.
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