FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Marvin Pinnecoose, Vice Chairman – 970.563.2402
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 8, 2025
Southern Ute Indian Tribe Receives Two Federal Grants to Enhance Climate Resilience
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is pleased to announce the award of two significant federal grants totaling $4.25 million. These grants awarded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Tribal Community Resilience Annual Awards Program will support Tribes in preparing for climate-related environmental threats proactively.
The Tribe’s Environmental Programs Department received $250,000 for the “Pine River Watershed Assessment and Restoration Plan.” This funding will support the development of a comprehensive plan to restore and protect the Tribe’s waterways. Key objectives include:
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Ecological Restoration: Implementing measures to improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat.
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Soil Conservation: Implementing best practices to reduce soil erosion and improve water retention.
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Drought Mitigation: Developing strategies to minimize the impact of drought on water resources and agricultural activities.
The Tribe’s Water Resources Division received $4 million to support the “Building Drought Resiliency to Irrigation Infrastructure Vulnerability” project. This funding will be used to:
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Improve Irrigation Infrastructure: Install Long Crested Weirs on the Pine River Canal to enhance water delivery efficiency and minimize water losses during drought periods.
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Rebuild Tribal Headings: Reinforce and modernize 7 Tribal headings along the Pine River Canal to ensure reliable water delivery for Tribal agricultural operations.
“The Southern Ute Indian Reservation is not exempt from the impacts of climate change. As we adapt to changing landscapes and environmental challenges, the Tribe will ensure the funding is used effectively for critical water delivery infrastructure and restoration and conservation projects that align with our role as natural resource stewards and wildlife protectors,” shared Executive Officer Lindsay J. Box.
Vice Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose expressed, “I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of our Environmental Programs Department and Water Resources Division in securing these crucial grants. These funds will empower us to proactively address the pressing challenges of climate change, drought, and will assist us in preparation for an earlier Spring and longer Fall season. This also allows us to preemptively address water seepage and evaporation, which are ongoing issues within all laterals, canals, and rivers. Lastly this funding positions the Tribe to be better prepared for long-term sustainability of our precious water resources and to demonstrate that we are leading by example for the serious conversation regarding water management within the Colorado River Basin and as a leader within Indian Country.”
These projects represent a significant step forward in the Tribe’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the challenges of climate change. By investing in sustainable water management practices and ecological restoration, the Tribe is securing its long-term water security and protecting its valuable natural resources for future generations.
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