U.S. Senator James Lankford has introduced bipartisan legislation that would make Tribal governments eligible to apply for federal grants that support infrastructure projects benefiting military installations.
Lankford joined U.S. Senator Patty Murray of Washington in sponsoring the legislation, which would expand eligibility for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP). The program currently provides grants to state and local governments for off-base infrastructure that supports military readiness.
Under the proposal, Tribal governments would be eligible to apply for DCIP funding for projects such as roads, utilities, emergency response and other infrastructure that serves nearby military installations.
“Oklahoma is home to 39 Tribal Nations, and many of them live and work alongside the men and women who serve at our military installations,” Lankford said.
“When a Tribe is doing work that benefits a military base or post, whether that is roads, utilities, or emergency response, the Tribe should have the same opportunity to apply for federal infrastructure grants as any other local government. This bill is a simple, common-sense fix that recognizes the role Tribes already play in our military readiness.”
The legislation would amend federal law to include Tribal governments among the entities eligible to receive DCIP grants. Supporters say Tribal Nations often help provide critical infrastructure that benefits military communities but are currently excluded from the program.
Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House by Congresswoman Emily Randall of Washington and Congressman Rob Wittman of Virginia.
