U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $5.2 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds for Water System Improvements in Support of Commercial Business Growth on the Walker River Indian Reservation

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $5.2 million grant to the Walker River Paiute Tribe, Schurz, Nevada, to boost business development and job growth by improving local water system infrastructure. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan’s Indigenous Communities program.

This project will support replacement and expansion of four water mains and installation of 45 fire hydrants, resolving water system capacity constraints that limit commercial development. This EDA investment will be matched with $156,674 in local funds and is expected to create or retain 25 jobs, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden is committed to supporting Tribal communities in their recovery from the coronavirus pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will provide more secure water system infrastructure to the Walker River Indian Reservation, improving economic resilience and creating the potential for business growth and expansion.”

“Tribal communities were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will support the Walker River Paiute Tribe’s efforts to provide a favorable operating environment for local business, improving economic opportunity in the community.”

“Tribes in Nevada and across the country were hit hard by the pandemic, and I supported this funding to make sure they were able to recover,” said Senator Catherine Cortez Masto. “I’ll continue working on behalf of Nevada Tribes to make sure they have the infrastructure they need to grow their economies and create good-paying jobs.”

“Water infrastructure can have a significant effect on the health and economy of a community, and it is critical that we protect access to clean water for all Nevadans,” said Senator Jacky Rosen. “I am proud to have helped secure this funding through the American Rescue Plan, which will expand existing water infrastructure for the Walker River Paiute Tribe and boost ongoing conservation efforts, while also creating jobs and increasing the community’s economic resilience.”

“I recently visited the Walker River Paiute Tribe and listened to their concerns, top among them being their infrastructure issues,” said Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04). “I was proud to vote for the American Rescue Plan because of the local investments like these for our local and tribal communities. This investment will allow for the commercial growth necessary for the Walker River Paiute Tribe to thrive.” 

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.