This week, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced $320 million through the Bureau of Reclamation to assist tribes in planning and constructing domestic water infrastructure projects, including the 22 federally-recognized communities in Arizona. 

These new federal funds, made available through the Inflation Reduction Act, are solely eligible for tribes residing in the 17 western states served by the Bureau of Reclamation.

Their Tribal Domestic Water Supplies Program is focused on supporting projects tackling tribal households and communities that lack reliable access to drinkable water and other clean, domestic supplies. 

The program requires that 80% of water must be used for domestic water purposes.

Reclamation estimates that up to 15 projects may be approved.

Tribes interested in applying may submit a proposal to the Reclamation’s Native American Affairs Office until Aug. 4.