The Tribal Digital Divide: Extent and Explanations - Center for Indian Country Development
This paper highlights internet access, connection speeds, and internet pricing in Native communities. It also researches the gaps to accessible internet between tribal and non-tribal areas.
This working paper can be used by Tribal/Native leaders to understand gaps in internet access and utilize this research to advocate for their communities.
California’s Initiative to Improve Broadband Impact on Tribes and Underserved Communities: Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative
California is strengthening broadband connections to improve access to education, health services, and employment opportunities throughout the state. The initiative has created 10 Tribal joint-build partnerships and engagements that are impacting at least 46 miles of Tribal and rural communities.
Up to $200 Million Available in Rural Development Broadband ReConnect Loan & Grant Program - USDA
By the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the ReConnect Loan and Grant Program furnishes loans and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas.
The first training in the CoP’s 9-part series of a variety of topics across Indian Country. Cris Gastner and Kevin Klingbeil from Big Water Consulting led a discussion and exercises about the foundations and essential components of CED in Indian Country and an introduction to CED planning.
This session featured a panel of data experts who shared their experience working with and collecting new tribal and Native economic data.
Related: Energy Resources
EECBG Program provides $8.8 million to 774 eligible Tribes, including Alaska Native Regional and Village and can be used to upgrade buildings, install renewable energy equipment, or develop climate and clean energy plans.
The BIA’s Branch of Tribal Climate Resilience program will support federally recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations as they address current and future climate change impacts on Tribal Treaty and Trust resources, economies, regenerative agriculture, food sovereignty, conservation practices, infrastructure, and human health and safety. All 2024 award applications must be submitted online by October 18, 2024.
The Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program (48e) promotes cost-saving solar or wind investments in low-income communities, on Native American/tribal land, as part of affordable housing developments, and benefiting low-income households. Under this program, there are opportunities that can help fund 50% of solar project costs at Federally-assisted residential properties.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) has multiple clean energy tax credits available to Tribal governments, Alaska Native Corporations, businesses; tax-exempt organizations; state, local, and governments; other entities; and individuals.
The Office of Indian Energy provides financial assistance on a competitive basis to develop and deploy clean energy infrastructure and technology, and this table lists current clean energy funding and related opportunities for Indian Tribes and Tribal entities from the U.S. Department of Energy and other federal agencies and entities.
There are significant current opportunities for tribes to leverage federal funds to finance energy and decarbonization projects since “recent laws such as the America Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) include allocations specifically for Tribal and Native communities.” In an effort to support self-determination, these funds are critical for tribes to “prosper and flourish on their own terms.”
Historical investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform energy communities and create boundless opportunities for communities to redevelop and revitalize.
This guide for communities looking to plan or build clean energy projects provides an overview of many federal programs that offer funding or advice to support these types of projects.