U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and USDA Rural Development Nevada State Director Lucas Ingvoldstad today announced that USDA is investing in water infrastructure for the Yomba Shoshone Tribe in Nevada, which is part of USDA’s Rural Partners Network. The new water tank, water lines, fire hydrants, and other improvements will provide the community with clean drinking water and safe and sanitary wastewater systems.
The announcement was made at the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development’s Reservation Economic Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“When we invest in modern infrastructure for people who live in Tribal communities, we create a ripple effect that impacts everyone,” Secretary Vilsack said. “Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is committed to building our economy from the middle out and bottom up by bringing high-speed internet, clean water and critical infrastructure to people in small towns and communities everywhere, especially in places that have been underserved for far too long.”
“We are proud to announce this investment in the Yomba Shoshone Tribe,” said Ingvoldstad. “As a part of our Rural Partners Network in Nevada, we listen to and engage with Tribal members, holding meetings and seminars to ensure our work is centered around the most pressing needs of the community. With construction beginning two weeks ago, we are one step closer to long-term, sustainable community health and safety for the Yomba Shoshone Tribe, on their terms.”
The project is being financed through the Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants to Alleviate Health Risks on Tribal Lands Program.
This funding will advance President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to grow the nation’s economy, create jobs and spur economic growth across the nation, in even the most remote parts of the country.
The Yomba Shoshone Tribe in Nevada, a participant of USDA’s Rural Partners Network, will use a $772,000 grant to make water infrastructure improvements. Funding will be used to replace a water tank, install water lines and fire hydrants, and make other improvements to increase efficiency and resiliency of the Tribe’s water system. These improvements will enable homes and buildings in the community to have access to safer water.