Cherokee Nation receives $1.3M grant for environmental assessment and cleanup
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation 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 grant is part of EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup Grant Programs, which help communities assess, clean up, and revitalize potentially contaminated [...]
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation 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 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.
The grant will enable the tribe to conduct 25 Phase I and 10 Phase II environmental site assessments and develop three cleanup plans and one reuse plan.
“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. “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.”
“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.”
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.
The project will include substantial community engagement activities to ensure tribal citizens have input in the assessment and planning processes.
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