U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Water System Improvements on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3 million grant to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Plummer, Idaho, for infrastructure improvements to the water supply system of De Smet, Idaho. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This investment is a good example of EDA’s commitment to Indigenous communities, and to addressing equity as one of its top investment priorities. It will support the replacement of De Smet’s aging and undersized water supply system, creating the potential for business growth and establishing a strong foundation for the Tribe’s economic development and job creation efforts.

“President Biden is committed to supporting Tribal communities in their recovery from the coronavirus pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will facilitate the modernization of the water supply system in De Smet, which will contribute to an improved economic climate for new and existing businesses.”

“Tribal communities were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project is essential to job growth and economic diversity in the region.”

“The Coeur d’Alene Tribe is our partner in stewarding North Idaho waterways and ensuring their long-term economic benefit to rural communities,” said Governor Brad Little. “This project, coupled with the $80 million investments in Coeur d’Alene Lake from my Leading Idaho plan, will enable the tribe to continue making meaningful improvements to North Idaho’s most valuable resource – water.”

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Indigenous Communities program, which allocates $100 million in American Rescue Plan funding specifically to support the needs of Tribal Governments and Indigenous communities. The program supports these partners to develop and execute economic development projects they need to recover from the pandemic and build economies for the future. Indigenous communities are also eligible and encouraged to apply under all of EDA’s other programs. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.