PORT ANGELES — The Makah Indian Tribe will receive $288,482 in federal funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to support its ocean data mapping capabilities.
U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, announced the funding, which is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The funding will build on prior ocean data and mapping support work by the tribe, while also focusing on priorities identified by the tribe and the West Coast Ocean Alliance, including tribal data sovereignty and student engagement.
“It’s no secret that the climate crisis has a huge impact on communities along our coast, and in particular, our Tribal partners,” said Kilmer, who represents the 6th Congressional District, which includes the North Olympic Peninsula. “This funding will empower the Makah Tribe to continue to implement critical ocean mapping that will enhance their capacity to protect both the environment and their culture. We must continue to support regional ocean partnerships like that of the Makah Tribe and the West Coast Ocean Alliance to pave the way for a more sustainable future for Indian County and our coastal communities.”
NOAA announced a total of $753,953 in this round of funding to support three federally recognized tribes’ participation in regional ocean partnerships as part of President Joe Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
Regional ocean partnerships are regional organizations voluntarily convened by governors that work in collaboration with tribal governments, federal agencies and local stakeholders to address ocean and coastal issues of common concern.
These funds will support activities on both coasts to manage ocean and coastal resources and data and build resilience for future challenges while working to tackle the climate crisis and support underserved communities.
For more information, visit https://coast.noaa.gov/funding/infrastructure.html.
