Economic development involves partnerships. Tribal leaders call on the federal government to join tribes at the table where they are forming economic development partnerships with state, local and private investors.
Tribal governments and tribal leaders have ideas, relationships, and resources. They can (and do) bring these to the table to create solutions that improve the tribes’ economic picture. They work with states, counties, private businesses, and investors to build roads, health centers, housing, schools, community projects and business enterprises.
They told Congress, however, that the federal government has often been the missing or reluctant partner in these enterprises. To promote and support economic development, the federal government needs to underwrite or match some types of investments, coordinate requirements among various federal departments and agencies, and move with the creativity and efficiency that the tribes themselves bring to the partnerships.
The President’s budget would cut the small $7.7 million guaranteed loan program – which is one of the levers that generates state and county funds and private and tribal investments — by $1 million. The proposal also takes $15 million from the real estate management functions of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), which has the responsibility for expediting permits, leases and rights of way. Even with continued funding, the new Indian Energy Service Center will not be able to coordinate and expedite energy development in Indian Country without adequate support from real estate and trust management functions elsewhere in the BIA.
The Appropriations Subcommittees on Interior and Environment will consider these programs, along with a number of other programs significant to Indian Country. See the members here.