CONTAMINATED ALASKA NATIVE CLAIMS SETTLEMENT ACT LANDS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

<p><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27);">The </span><strong style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27);">Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA)</strong><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27);"> 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 (transfer) 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.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(1, 1, 1);"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(1, 1, 1);">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.</span></p> <p><br></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27);">Eligible entities include </span><span style="color: rgb(1, 1, 1);">Alaska Native regional and village corporations, federally recognized Tribes in Alaska, Alaska Native nonprofit associations, and inter-tribal consortia comprised of Alaskan tribal entities.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(1, 1, 1);">Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis. As long as funds remain available, </span>EPA expects to extend the closing date for this funding opportunity.</p> <p><span style="color: rgb(1, 1, 1);"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(1, 1, 1);">Before submitting a proposal, please contact Contaminated ANCSA Assistance Program project managers to indicate interest. Details on how to apply are provided in the Contaminated ANCSA Lands Assistance Program Guidance.</span></p>

See Section II of the Assistance Agreement Program Guidance for eligibility information.