Climate Commitment Act funds come through a co-designed grant process reflecting tribal priorities and expertise.
Using a strategy co-designed with tribes to distribute grant funding, the Washington State Department of Commerce has awarded $52 million in grant funding. The funding will support climate resilience for 28 federally recognized tribes within Washington and four others with lands in the state. This funding, made possible by the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), will honor tribal sovereignty and knowledge to meet the unique needs of each community.
Climate change impacts tribes differently, depending on their geography, culture, and economy. The grant funding offers tribes the flexibility to address these challenges in the way that best suits their needs, whether through planning, construction, or emergency preparedness.
For example, the Quinault Indian Nation will use $13 million to move vital infrastructure out of the tsunami and flooding zones on the Olympic Coast, which includes building a new Generations Building to serve elders and children, as well as emergency shelters and essential utilities.
This funding marks a significant step in honoring tribal sovereignty and empowering tribes to protect their lands and communities. Funding for Commerce’s Tribal Climate Resilience Program comes from the Climate Commitment Act. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.
Learn more about the grants here.