U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley introduced legislation this week to better fund water systems in tribal communities. The bill comes after thousands of people in .
鈥淭his legislation would throw a lifeline to tribes like Warm Springs that are in dire need of water infrastructure improvements to serve their tribal membership,鈥� Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Chairman Raymond Tsumpti said in a statement.
, tribal leaders joined Oregon's democratic senators to champion the Western Tribal Water Infrastructure Act as a way to move past temporary and emergency fixes by ensuring stable federal investments. Tribal governments face unique challenges when funding big infrastructure projects, partly because they .
The bill would increase annual funding for tribal drinking water systems by 50%, from about $20 million a year to $30 million. The legislation would also authorize the Environmental Protection Agency to fund more water projects on tribal lands within Oregon, specifically along the Columbia River and adjacent coastal river basins.
鈥淐limate change is threatening the water supply of many Oregon communities 鈥� even on the coast. Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley鈥檚 bill would help Oregon tribes access funds to avert those challenges,鈥� Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians Chairman Dee Pigsley said in a statement.
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