The yukon river inter-tribal watershed council will use GAP funding to address priority environmental concerns in the communities of member tribes

The Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (YRITWC) received a $268,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (CFDA 66.926) to address priority environmental concerns in the communities of member tribes. The grant funding will support technical training and capacity building for YRITWC's environmental staff, with a focus on enhancing the organization's ability to participate meaningfully in EPA programs. Key activities include establishing public participation and education initiatives on climate change and emergency preparedness, as well as addressing solid waste management issues. Anticipated deliverables include semi-annual progress reports, technical capacity-building trip reports, and documentation of environmental clean-ups and community events. The grant period runs from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2028.

Environmental staff will focus on technical training and building management capacity, with the goal of achieving programmatic growth to maintain meaningful participation in EPA programs. Key areas of focus include establishing public participation and education through community engagement on climate change and emergency preparedness and addressing solid waste management issues. Activities:activities performed under the grant will focus on technical training to build administrative and environmental skills relevant to member tribe's priorities. A key element of this program involves building a path towards increased collaboration with multiple tribal environmental programs and agencies, ultimately enhancing meaningful participation in EPA programs. Finally, community outreach and education will be instrumental to achieving environmental results, including solid waste planning and implementation.subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:anticipated deliverables from the yukon river inter-tribal watershed council will include semi-annual progress reports to EPA, outlining progress towards environmental results in priority areas. In addition, trip reports will outline technical capacities gained from attending relevant trainings and conferences. Finally, photos of environmental clean-UPS, community trainings and events will demonstrate the accomplishments resulting from these work plan commitments. Direct beneficiaries of this grant are members of the inter-tribal consortia.