The American Rescue Plan provided $20 billion in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funding (SLFRF) to assist Tribal governments, communities, businesses, and households. In November 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Tribal and Native Affairs released a report highlighting some of the 3,000 projects that Tribes have funded with SLFRF money. The projects are focusing on improving the Tribes’ health, safety, and quality of life. The report noted that more than 2.7 million individuals from 579 Tribes have benefited. Tribes that received less than $30 million from SLFRF are only required to submit spending data once a year, while Tribes that received more than $30 million are required to report spending data quarterly.
Tribal projects funded by SLFRF
- The Fort Belknap Indian Community is using SLFRF funding to build the Anaakyaaniiin Wellness Center, which will provide mental health and substance misuse treatments as well expand health and welfare programs for children.
- The Cherokee Nation is committing funds to provide professional and educational opportunities for Cherokee citizens working to reenter society after incarceration. The program will also assist in locating affordable housing.
- The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will use SLFRF funds for a warming center for those experiencing homeless and don’t have a safe place to sleep during the winter. The Tribe will also tackle longer-term housing needs.
- The Mescalero Apache Tribe is developing a vocational education program to help staff improve their skills needed to fill critical positions in the workforce. The program will provide scholarships toward certificates and further education in welding, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and more.
- The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin will use SLFRF funds for tiny homes for low-income elders, tribal citizens in transitional living situations, or those facing homelessness.
Note: Because of reporting periods, these projects do not appear on our SLFRF dashboard. You can read about the projects listed above, and others, in Treasury's report.