The push to improve water systems and safety for Native American tribes has cleared the U.S. Senate.
Oregon Democrat Ron Wyden says legislation co-authored with Senator Jeff Merkley was passed as part of the Drinking Water and Waste Water Infrastructure Act of 2021. It would provide $250 million for tribes to upgrade and fix their water treatment systems.
”It prioritizes tribal projects that address ongoing emergency water situations," Wyden told KLCC. "And that is exactly what the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs has been dealing with.
"I believe water is a human right, investing in critical tribal infrastructure is a step toward the United Sates fulfilling treaty obligations to Native American tribes.”
Many tribal communities like Warm Springs have dealt with boil-water notices and unreliable pipes and valves in their distribution system for hears. The legislation now goes to the House of Representatives.
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