(KXNET) — The Department of the Interior is spending $121 million to help tribal communities prepare for severe climate-related environmental threats to their homelands. Of the 124 funded grants, two are in North Dakota and three are in South Dakota. The money is aimed at helping tribes and trial organizations proactively plan for and adapt to climate-related threats and safely relocate critical community infrastructure, where tribes determine that is necessary. "Today, we are not just investing in projects; we are investing in the future of our Tribal communities," said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland in a statement. "These awards are a down payment on a more sustainable and resilient future for Native communities across the country.”  Projects in North Dakota: Tribe or Tribal Organization: Midi Enterprises, LLCAmount Funded: $250,000Title: Midi Enterprises Enhancing Climate Resiliency Through Locally Supplied Low-CarbonPower Delivery PlanningProject Description: This project aims to serve the citizens of the Three Affiliated Tribes(Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation) by developing a comprehensive plan to implement aclean energy microgrid on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. Implementation of a microgridwill enhance energy resilience, independence, and environmental sustainability, and willprovide long-term economic benefits. Tribe or Tribal Organization: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North & South DakotaAmount Funded: $250,000Title: Water Management and Climate Resilience for SRSTProject Description: This project will update the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s Tribal Water Codeand use advanced GIS mapping to assess water resources and address contamination from theDakota Access Pipeline. The investment will enhance climate resilience by implementinginnovative water management strategies and legal frameworks, ensuring sustainable waterprotection against climate change impacts. Projects in South Dakota Tribe: Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of the Cheyenne River Reservation, South DakotaAmount Funded: $250,000Title: Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe's Great Plains Climate Change Vulnerability AssessmentProject Description: This vulnerability assessment grant is the first climate change grant theTribe has applied for. It would enable the Tribe to begin gathering information and assessingthe Tribe's vulnerabilities that climate change presents for the future of its people, animals,land and water. In addition, the Tribe will draft a strategic water management plan and watercode to implement it. The Great Plains is experiencing increasing harsh and severe weather,and the Tribe must plan on how to safeguard its resources, the chief being its people andlands. A majority of the Tribe's economy is centered on ranching so it's critical to safeguard thepeople, animals and natural environment that sustain ranching. Tribe: Lower Brule Sioux Tribe of the Lower Brule Reservation, South DakotaAmount Funded: $181,744Title: Wastewater Lagoon Study for Lower Brule Sioux TribeProject Description: The Wastewater Lagoon Study will assess whether the wastewatertreatment facilities are leaking and potentially threatening the surface and groundwaterresources on the Reservation. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of the existing systemsand determine if there are excessive leaks or other risks to water resources. If inadequacies are found, the study will provide options for repairing, replacing, relocating, or consolidating thesystems as needed. This study is not just essential but also promising in helping the Tribeprepare for the urgent impacts of climate change by improving its existing infrastructure. Byaddressing potential threats to water resources from wastewater systems, the LBST will notonly enhance drought resilience but also safeguard its limited water supply, ensuring asustainable future for the Tribe. Tribe: Yankton Sioux Tribe of South DakotaAmount Funded: $240,100Title: Drought Vulnerability Assessment and Drought Adaptation Plan for Yankton Sioux TribeProject Description: The Tribe will develop a Drought Vulnerability Assessment and DroughtAdaptation Plan (DAP) for the Yankton Sioux Tribe (YST). YST will begin with a droughtvulnerability assessment to identify specific vulnerabilities to drought, assess past droughtoccurrences, identify drought impacts on water resources on the Reservation, and identify thecapacity of YST to deal with future droughts. The DAP will identify drought response actionsand mitigation strategies for the identified vulnerabilities. The final DAP will be used as a toolto identify and prioritize YST responses before, during, and after drought. The complete list of projects is available here and down below. fy24_tcr_aap_awards_summaryDownload Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW