The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with five federal agencies to reduce by 50% the number of tribal homes lacking access to safe water and basic sanitation in Indian Country by 2015.
The five federal partners include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Indian Health Service (IHS) and the Department of Interior (DOI).
The MoU renews the US commitments made in support of the United Nations Millennium Development Goal on access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2000.
It will remain in effect for the next eight years.
The agreement will also replace two previous MoUs designed to improve coordination among federal agencies in providing provide financial and/or technical assistance related to water infrastructure and increase access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation throughout Indian country and Alaskan Native communities.
Agriculture Dallas Rural Development Under Secretary Tonsager said that 12% of the American Indian and Alaska Native homes do not have access to safe water or sanitation facilities.
"All of the parties to this MOU share a common goal of assisting tribes in improving quality of life by providing modern, reliable and affordable water and waste infrastructure through sustainable practices. We will continue to work together to meet that goal," Tonsager added.
"USDA is proud of its investments in American Indian and Alaskan Native communities. Through sustainable infrastructure we are helping to lay the foundation upon which community and economic development is possible for years to come."
