Images (12)
Document
| id |
id
580131533
|
|---|---|
| contentType |
contentType
document
|
| source |
source
import
|
Source image fields (6)
Extracted text
OCR Page 1 of 12JUL 21 '00 13:30 FR SEN JEFF BINGAMAN
202 224 2852 TO 94562889
P.02/04
U.S. Senator
JEFF BINGAMAN
NEW MEXICO
703 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20510
CONTACT JIM BONHAM OR JUDE McCARTIN (202) 224-1804
For immediate release: Thursday, July 20, 2000
SENATE APPROVES BINGAMAN AMENDMENT TO ASSIST TRIBAL
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
WASHINGTON, DC- The Senate tonight approved an amendment written by U.S. Senator Jeff
Bingaman that sets aside $24 million to assist Native American tribes' efforts to encourage economic
development, upgrade tribal colleges, and for much-needed water projects.
Bingaman's amendment is now part of the fiscal year 2001 Agriculture Appropriations Bill,
which was also approved tonight. A House-Senate panel will convene to reconcile differences in the
spending bill before the measure can be sent to the President. The legislation funds rural development
initiatives through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
"This funding would help tribes encourage economic development on many fronts. Not only does
it dedicate funding directly for job creation, it also helps improve tribal college facilities and makes it
possible for tribes to upgrade basic infrastructure," Bingaman said. "Having a well prepared workforce
and good infrastructure are both very important economic development tools, especially in rural parts of
our state and country."
"Last year, USDA proved to be a valuable resource for New Mexico Indian tribes in water and
waste water projects. This year we are expanding USDA participation on Indian lands to Indian tribal
colleges that are greatly in need of facility improvements. In addition, we are encouraging more Indian
participation in USDA's rural business grant program by setting aside $4 million. USDA is a welcome
partner in improving infrastructure and business opportunities for American Indians," said Pete
Domenici, co-sponsor of Bingaman's amendment.
The $24 million would break down as follows:
$15 million for water and wastewater projects for tribes that cannot afford loans. Funding would
be through USDA's Rural Utility Service. Bingaman sponsored a similar amendment to the fiscal
year 2000 Agriculture Appropriations Bill. Zuni and Picuris pueblos in New Mexico received
funding this year from that $12 million appropriation.
$5 million for community facility grants for new facilities at tribal colleges. Federal funding can
be used to cover up to 75 percent of the school's cost.
$3 million for rural business enterprise grants to support the development of small and emerging
tribal business enterprises, including the acquisition and development of land, and the
construction of buildings.
$1 million for rural business opportunity grants. Funds would be used to analyze tribal business
opportunities; to identify, train and provide technical assistance to rural entrepreneurs and
managers; establish business support centers to conduct economic development planning and
leadership development; and to establish centers for training.
- 30 -
Relations
belongs_to