EPA GAP GRANTS
By Jean Gamache

In 1984, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency became the first federal agency to implement an Indian Policy. Carol Browner, current EPA administrator, formally reaffirmed that policy in 1994, stating the policy has provided the framework for EPA to develop partnerships with Tribes. Strong efforts to implement the policy agency-wide continue today. Here in Region 10, which includes Alaska, EPA recognizes its commitment to work with Tribes on a government-to-government basis, to protect, restore and preserve the environment for present and future generations and will meet this commitment by:

• Respecting Tribal sovereignty and the policy of self-determination
• Engaging in meaningful government-to-government communication and decision-making with all federally recognized Tribes
• Meeting its trust responsibility to Tribes
• Implementing the Administrator's reaffirmation of the EPA Indian and the President's April, 1994 Memorandum on Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal Governments.

Reflecting EPA's commitment to working with tribes is the Indian General Assistance Program Grant (GAP). The GAP grant provides general assistance grants to tribes or intertribal consortia to build tribal environmental management capacity and infrastructure. Over the last several years there has been an increase in funding for the GAP program. Here in Alaska 37 tribes and intertribal consortia will be receiving grants under this program, up from 16 grantees for the last year.

For more information, contact:

• Sandra Borbridge, Tribal Coordinator: 271-6329
• Jean Gamache, Tribal Coordinator: 271-6558

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Alaska Operations Office, Anchorage 222 West Seventh Avenue, #19 Anchorage, Alaska 99513-7588