EPA Announces Over $2.9 Million in Grants for Tribal Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling in Montana, South Dakota
DENVER – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced over $2.9 million for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia through the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grant program in Region 8. EPA selected the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe in South Dakota and the Fort Belknap Indian Community in Montana to receive grants.
“These grants further energize our American economy by improving recycling, cutting disposal costs, reducing waste in landfills and extending landfill life, and creating good paying local jobs,” said Acting Assistant Administrator for Land and Emergency Management Thomas Croci. “By improving tribal recycling infrastructure EPA supports the recovery of domestic sources of raw materials, local economies and provides tangible health benefits to communities across Indian Country.”
“Improving solid waste infrastructure is about more than cleaner communities – it's about building resilient systems that support economic opportunity and environmental stewardship,” said EPA Region 8 Regional Administrator Cyrus Western. “Through EPA’s SWIFR program, these grants will help Tribes expand recycling, create local jobs and develop practical, long-term solutions tailored to their communities.”
"On behalf of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, we are very grateful and appreciate the U.S. EPA selecting our Tribe for the SWIFR grant," said Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Vice-Chairman Norman Thompson Jr. "We look forward to working with the U.S. EPA on the SWIFR grant, thank you again for this opportunity."
The goal of the SWIFR grants is to improve local waste management systems, meeting Congress’ goal to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system. Projects funded in Region 8 include:
Crow Creek Sioux Tribe - $1,425,890: Grant funds will be used to establish a recycling and composting program on the reservation. The grant will create new employment opportunities by funding the hiring and training of operations personnel. It will also be used for market research in the recycling industry, helping to strengthen the Tribal economy.
Fort Belknap Indian Community - $1,500,000: Grant funds will be used to establish a solid waste infrastructure initiative to reducing concrete rubble waste and untreated wood waste in the community. The project will use a portable concrete crusher and industrial woodchipper to divert materials from illegal dumping sites and reuse the waste for road maintenance and mulch. This project will reduce landfill stress, improve environmental conditions and expand circular economy opportunities on the reservation.
By sponsoring a more efficient and robust solid waste management system in Tribal communities, these grants reduce the burden on landfill capacity, increase valuable materials for end-markets, establish collection services and composting programs, create new jobs, and improve quality of life.
Navigate to our webpage to learn more about the SWIFR Tribal grant program.