The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded $112,000 to the Chickasaw Nation, Okla. 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 the multimedia programs to address environmental issues.
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.
