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News Releases from Region 06

EPA Awards Quapaw $115,000 to Protect the Environment

09/11/2018
Contact Information: 
Press Office

Media contacts: R6Press@epa.gov or 214 665-2200

DALLAS – (September 11, 2018) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded $115,000 to the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma, as part of the General Assistance Program (GAP). The tribe will use the funds to administer their environmental program and assist in the development of multimedia programs to address environmental issues.

“Supporting our tribal partners is essential in achieving sustained environmental protection for their people,” said Regional Administrator Anne Idsal. “We are committed to continue working together with the Quapaw to address areas of need to protect human health and the environment, and the partnership is making a difference.”

“Since the beginning of the Quapaw Nation’s Environmental Office, the General Assistance Program grant has allowed the Nation to build capacity in programs that address water quality, air quality, solid waste, hazardous waste, and the environmental  problems at the Tar Creek Superfund site,” said Quapaw Tribe Chairman John Berrey. “We look forward to continuing to work with EPA in facilitating the protection of our health, the environment, and the cultural heritage of the Quapaw people.”

The primary purpose of GAP is to support the development of core tribal environmental protection programs. Other activities to be carried out under the grant include, but are not limited to, attending environmentally related training and conducting community outreach. 

In 1992, Congress passed the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program Act which authorizes EPA to provide GAP grants to federally-recognized tribes and tribal groups for planning, developing, and establishing environmental protection programs in Indian country, as well as for developing and implementing solid and hazardous waste programs on tribal lands.

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