Hopi Chief Informs Committee about the Obstacles of Red Tape and Financial Hurdles Preventing Access to Aid

By Better Today On Oct 29, 2023

TL/DR –

Tribal leaders in the US have expressed frustration over bureaucratic and financial obstacles that prevent them from accessing federal funding for infrastructure projects. Speaking at a Senate Indian Affairs Committee, Hopi Chairman Timothy Nuvangyaoma explained how a $10 million matching fund requirement rendered a federal offer to fund power system improvements unfeasible for his tribe. Jasmine Boyle, from the Rural Alaska Community Action Program, highlighted issues such as lack of broadband access and physical addresses preventing Alaskan tribes from even beginning grant application processes.

Hopi Tribe Chairman Discusses Federal Funding Difficulties

On Wednesday, Hopi tribe Chairman Timothy Nuvangyaoma informed a Senate panel of the difficulties smaller tribes face in securing federal funding. Bureaucratic and financial hurdles make the promised financial aid inaccessible. He was speaking at a Senate Indian Affairs Committee roundtable discussing challenges related to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act.

Tribal Struggles to Access Federal Funds

Nuvangyaoma explained that the Hopi tribe was asked to provide a $10 million match for federal funding aimed at improving their power system. This sum equals more than half of the tribe’s annual budget, thus creating a tough choice between the cost match or funding essential services such as education and care for the elderly.

“Many other tribes, like us, lack the financial stability to make these cost matches. We are unable to seize this great opportunity given to us,” said Nuvangyaoma. Similar financial difficulties were echoed by tribal leaders across the country.

Challenges for Alaskan Tribes

Jasmine Boyle, the chief development officer for the Rural Alaska Community Action Program, detailed the trials faced by the 229 Alaskan tribes she represents. Issues such as lack of internet access and physical addresses make applying for government grants a challenge for these tribes.

Struggles of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

Jarred-Michael Erickson, chairman of the Colville Business Council, highlighted that despite being home to the Grand Coulee Dam, the tribe pays some of the highest electricity rates in their state. “It’s sad when our elders are paying $600 a month in the winter, while we have the Grand Coulee Dam right on our reservation,” Erickson lamented.

Hopi Tribe’s Infrastructure Challenges

Nuvangyaoma also noted the Hopi tribe’s lack of basic infrastructure, with only 15% of homes having electricity. The tribe was thrilled about the installation of a 5,000-kilovolt power line on their reservation, but the excitement was dampened when the federal government asked for a $10 million match from the tribe before they could connect to the line.

Senatorial Intervention

Sen. Brian Schatz, chairman of the committee, expressed his dissatisfaction with the bureaucratic challenges faced by the tribes and offered his personal staff’s assistance to ensure agencies like the Department of Energy are fulfilling their roles. “These agencies don’t have the discretion to make things difficult. They are not doing you a favor by disbursing the money we appropriated and authorized,” Schatz stated.