TAHLEQUAH — The Cherokee Nation said in a media release it has been awarded a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to conduct environmental assessments and cleanup planning across multiple sites within the reservation.
The funding, provided through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will help convert vacant and potentially contaminated properties into usable community spaces.
The grant will enable the tribe to conduct 25 Phase I and 10 Phase II environmental site assessments, along with developing three cleanup plans and one reuse plan. Priority sites include properties in Skiatook, a 2.4-acre developed site in Bartlesville, the historic Citizen’s Bank building and former jail in Marble City, and a 15-acre undeveloped site near a former cold storage plant in Stilwell.
“This significant EPA grant will help the Cherokee Nation continue our commitment to being responsible stewards of our land while creating new opportunities for economic development within our communities,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. in the release. “By assessing and cleaning up these sites, we’re not only protecting our environment but also laying the groundwork for future development that will benefit Cherokee families for generations to come.”
Deputy Chief Bryan Warner emphasized the grant’s importance for community revitalization.
“This investment aligns perfectly with our mission to protect our natural resources while promoting sustainable economic growth across the Cherokee Nation Reservation,” Warner said.
The project will include substantial community engagement activities to ensure tribal citizens have input in the assessment and planning processes.
“Environmental site assessments are crucial first steps in understanding and addressing potential contamination issues,” said Secretary of Natural Resources Christina Justice. “This grant enables us to take a comprehensive approach to environmental protection while creating new opportunities for community development. Through careful assessment and planning, we can ensure these sites are safely and responsibly repurposed for the benefit of our communities.”
The grant is part of EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup Grant Programs, which help communities assess, clean up, and revitalize potentially contaminated properties. The funding comes from the historic $1.5 billion boost to EPA’s Brownfields Program through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.