Bureau of Indian Affairs Southern Plains Regional Office

Bureau of Indian Affairs Southern Plains Regional Office National Budget Meeting – FY 2010 Water Resources Budget Request

Background Position of Water Program Manager was fully funded in FY 05 and the position was filled in June, 2005 n Focus has been outreach to tribes in order to communicate the purpose of the Bureau’s Water Programs, identify needs and offer technical assistance, and to generate interest in the programs n

Issues Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas - Plum Creek Reservoir n Depletion of Flow in Jimmy Creek due to diversion of water from Jimmy Creek Spring n Potential Sales of Water From Oklahoma to Texas n Update of the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan n

Short Term Goals n Achieve a high percentage of tribal participation in the Water Resource program n Assist tribal environmental staff with identification of worthwhile water resource projects that qualify for funding under the program guidelines n Assist tribal environmental staff with preparation of funding requests

Long Term Goals n Development of tribal Water Resource Management Plans n Tribal development and management of water resources n Achievement of Treatment as State status

FY 2010 Funding Projections Water Management, Planning & Pre- Development § Funding requests for Water Management, Planning and Pre-Development program have averaged $218, 704 over the past 6 years § The average amount of $218, 704 for tribal funding requests plus $137, 655 for administration of the program at the Regional Office is a reasonable projection for FY 2010 funding needs. Total Amount - $356, 359

FY 2010 Funding Projections Water Rights Negotiation/Litigation § Funding requests for Water Rights Negotiation/Litigation program have averaged $65, 703 over the past 6 years § The average amount of $65, 703 for tribal funding requests is a reasonable projection for FY 2010 funding needs. Total Amount $65, 703

Water Resources Conclusion n Generally speaking, Tribes in the Southern Plains Region are in the early stages of water resource planning and development n Funding of tribal water resource planning projects is crucial to promote the program goal of “Promoting Self Determination for Federally Recognized Indian Tribes and Alaska Natives to Foster Economic Development Through the Use of Trust Water Resources”

SPRO Tribal Modernization n n n Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to Tribal requests or needs Capability: Limited budgets, insufficient staffing, limited facilities reduces capability to serve Tribes and members Consolidation: Tribes struggle to determine responsible official to efficiently serve Indians Improving Indian Country: Emphasize on trust land bases, increasing funding, and development of infrastructures Self-Determination: Limited funding that directly serve Tribal members Improving efficiency and effectiveness: Focus on providing services at the local level

Thank you!