Friday, January 9, 2009

NCAI Seeks Infrastructure Funding for Tribal Governments in Economic Stimulus Package

The National Congress of American Indians is asking that President-elect Barrack Obama’s economic stimulus package include $5.4 billion specifically for infra-structure needs in Indian Country. NCAI is requesting that tribal governments be treated the same as state governments, in that money would be distributed directly to them and that they would be allowed access to capital. 

 “A tribal provision in the economic plan could mean funding for Indian health care programs, schools and job training projects,” said NCAI President Joe A. Garcia. “Indian Country needs a chance to develop the systems to grow their local economies and Indian people deserve the opportunity for a secure future.” 

Currently federal rules and regulations limit tribal government’s access to capital, expanding the use of tax-exempt bonds could leverage federal spending on infrastructure and economic development activities on reservations. A tribal economic recovery component could also expand loans and surety bonding for Indian businesses. 

Obama’s economic stimulus package, expected to be introduced soon, will include $300 billion in tax cuts and about $500 billion in spending. 

Don’t miss Falmouth Institute’s upcoming Indian Country Construction Conference for an up-to-date overview of how tribal governments can tap into the infrastructure funds available for Indian Country in the economic stimulus package. 

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