CONTAMINATED ALASKA NATIVE CLAIMS SETTLEMENT ACT LANDS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Background
The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971 included the transfer of 44 million acres to Alaska Native regional and village corporations. Some of these lands became contaminated prior to conveyance from a variety of past activities such as fuel storage, power generation, waste handling practices, mining, and other activities. These contaminants can pose health concerns to Alaska Native communities, impact subsistence resources, and impair economic activity.

Grant Details
In the fiscal year 2023 omnibus bill, Congress appropriated $20 million for EPA to establish and implement a grant program to assist Alaska tribal entities with addressing contamination on ANCSA lands that were contaminated prior to the time of conveyance. Grants may be used for site assessment and remediation, as well as related community outreach and involvement. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis as long as funds remain available.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible entities include Alaska Native regional and village corporations, federally recognized Tribes in Alaska, Alaska Native nonprofit associations, and inter-tribal consortia comprised of Alaskan tribal entities.

Period of Performance
The performance period may not exceed five (5) years.

Grant Value
$20 million was appropriated by Congress for the grant program. Funding may be requested for cooperative agreements of up to $3M per project with maximum performance periods of 5 years. No matching funds are required.