Covid-19 Has Laid Bare the Inequities in Indian Country. It's Time to Invest in Infrastructure.

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. - In 2009, then Vice President Biden was charged with the duty to formulate the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to save the auto industry and to stimulate the economy with shovel ready projects. So, it is especially gratifying for President Biden to pick up where we left off as a Nation to fix the aging American infrastructure with roads, bridges, water systems, schools, newer and greener energy platforms, public transit and high-speed rail, and much needed technology and broadband upgrades.

As Chairperson of the largest tribe east of the Mississippi, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and 1st Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians I can confirm that Tribal infrastructure needs to mirror that of our surrounding jurisdictions. ARRA funds helped one of my Tribe's five reservation sites connect to the city water-sewer system. This was a win-win-win as our tribal use expedites the debt pay down on the City system. I hope to see mutual gain projects in the implementation of the 2021 Biden Infrastructure Plan. Given a number of my Tribal Citizens live in affected areas of Flint, I support a large amount of infrastructure funds be committed to replace the old and dangerous water lines in Flint, the many cities in Michigan and across the country.

https://nativenewsonline.net/opinion/covid-19-has-laid-bare-the-deficiencies-in-indian-country-it-s-time-to-invest-in-tribal-infrastructure