Monday, Sep 26 2011 3:31PM
The Department of Justice granted $118.4M to Native tribes
Native American tribes in Arizona and New Mexico will receive $15.4 million in federal funding to improve the safety of its reservations, The Republic reports.
During the Four Corners Indian Country Conference in Colorado, Associate Attorney General Tom Perrelli stated that in total, the Department of Justice (DOJ) released $118.4 million funds to approximately 150 Native American and Alaska Native communities.
The tribes secured the funds by applying to government-aided programs through DOJ last year.
Perrelli said he was pleased to continue his department's investment to secure the Native American reservations.
"Our government-to-government consultations have been critical to our understanding of how to better serve and support our tribal partners," said Perrelli. "By deepening our engagement with tribal governments, we have sought to help put an end to the unacceptable and sobering crime rates witnessed in Indian Country."
The funding and applications are processed through the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS). This department was created in September 2010 after many tribal leaders expressed frustration with the DOJ's grant process, and streamlines and creates a more flexible process for tribal leaders to acquire funds.