Description
The Tribal Partnership Program (TPP) provides authority for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to perform water-related planning activities and activities related to the study, design and construction of water resources development projects located primarily on tribal lands that substantially benefit federally recognized tribes.
Process
To start the process, a tribe submits a study request to USACE. USACE evaluates the request, and if viable, works with the tribe to determine a scope of work. Next, USACE and the tribe enter into a Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement (FCSA). Following the execution of the FCSA, USACE seeks federal funding for the study.
Once funding is obtained, USACE initiates a feasibility study and shares costs with the tribe. The cost share depends on the type of study and the tribe’s per capita income. During the feasibility study phase, USACE and the tribe identify potential solutions; analyze the costs, benefits and environmental impacts; and develop a recommended project. If a project is deemed feasible, the tribe and USACE must enter into a Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) to obtain funding and move forward with the initiation of the project.
Status
In the St. Paul District’s TPP portfolio, there are currently six feasibility studies and one project in the design and implementation phase.
Current Projects
Minnesota
- Prairie Island Indian Community: Sturgeon Lake Ecosystem Restoration, $1,651,000 received for construction work
- Upper Sioux Community: Minnesota River Bank Stabilization, $25,000 received for design work
- Lower Sioux Community: Minnesota River Bank Stabilization, $25,000 received for design work
- Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians: Fish Passage and Marsh Restoration, $490,000 received for feasibility study
Wisconsin
- St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin: Big Sand Lake Shoreline Stabilization, $660,000 received
- Ho Chunk Nation: Sacred Earth Parcel Wetland Restoration, $475,000 received for feasibility study
North Dakota
- Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians: Shell Valley Aquifer Analysis, $1 million received for feasibility study
Authority
The TPP is authorized by Section 203 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-541).
Funding
Under the TPP, FSCAs qualify for a cost-share waiver of up to $658,000 in addition to being fully federally funded for the first $200,000. PPAs qualify for an additional waiver of $658,000 of the tribes cost share. Additionally, all tribes, regardless of the per capita income, will now qualify for an additional cost-share reduction under the 1156 Waiver.