Trump Halts $20M Water Infrastructure Grant for Nevada Tribe
TL/DR –
The Walker River Paiute Tribe received a $20 million grant in December for infrastructure projects like water system improvements. However, the grant was suspended under the Trump administration’s campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), impacting the tribe’s ability to improve its beleaguered water supply, build homes, and provide jobs. The $20 million was set to fund water and energy infrastructure, home retrofitting for energy efficiency, a community resilience hub, and a nutritional wellness building.
Walker River Paiute Tribe’s Water Infrastructure Improvement at Risk Due to Funding Freeze
The Walker River Paiute Tribe was set to start vital infrastructure projects, funded by a $20 million grant received in December. The funds were particularly aimed at improving the tribe’s troubled water supply and pressure issues, which posed health, fire risks, and hindered population growth.
The grant was part of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Community Change Grants Program, under the Environmental Justice Program from the 2022 climate law.
However, the grant has been suspended by the Trump administration in its fight against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) discovered on March 7 that they could no longer access the $20 million fund. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the cancellation of over $1.7 billion worth of grants, including the DEI and Environmental Justice grants, citing an effort to cut government spending as per a Trump’s executive order.
This suspension leaves the tribe’s projects in limbo, with construction meant to start in September now uncertain. “Without the Community Change Grant funding, this stops our project,” tribe Chair Melanie McFalls stated.
Details of the Funding Suspension
The $20 million was designated for crucial water and energy improvements on the Walker River Paiute Reservation. The grant would have enabled retrofitting of 150 homes for energy efficiency, construction of a community resilience hub, and the building of a new nutritional wellness facility. A significant portion was meant for a water system upgrade, including the construction of a new water storage tank and installation of new water mains and fire hydrants. The project was estimated to cost $13 million and be completed in 2027.
However, the project faces a threat of crumbling without the suspended grant, according to NCEF CEO Kirsten Stasio. Besides infrastructure, job creation is also in jeopardy. The grant funded 14 new positions for water treatment plant operations.
The Anti-Environmental Justice Crusade
The Trump administration has moved to eliminate “environmental justice” funding and dismantle President Joe Biden’s Justice40 initiative. The EPA has closed down its Department of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, which was responsible for the Community Change Grants.
Other funds benefiting the tribe have also been frozen. The Department of Agriculture canceled an agreement providing funds for the tribe to purchase locally grown food for its food pantry.
Nevada political leaders are lobbying for the reinstatement of the grant. Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV) has reached out to EPA leadership and is working on an alternative funding plan for the tribe. Meanwhile, Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) pinned the blame on the White House, promising to work to reverse the funding freeze.
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