Funding applications are now open to Tribal governments engaged in the environmental review and authorization process for FAST-41 covered projects.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provided unprecedented funding to Federal agencies to support the timely, efficient, and effective environmental review and permitting of critical infrastructure projects. With IRA funds provided to the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council) Environmental Review Improvement Fund (ERIF), the Permitting Council Executive Director (ED) is making an initial $5 million available to Tribal governments to support Tribal engagement in the environmental review and authorization process for FAST-41 covered projects. The ED will refer to ERIF funding set aside for Tribal governments as the Environmental Review Improvement Fund Tribal Assistance Program (ERIF TAP).

Need for Funding

The Permitting Council ED recognizes the capacity issues that Tribes face when participating in the Federal environmental review and authorization process for infrastructure projects, including FAST-41 covered projects. Providing funding to support capacity building for Tribal governments to meaningfully participate in environmental reviews such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and consultations under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act will help make the environmental review and authorization process for FAST-41 covered projects more timely and efficient.

Apply Now

The Permitting Council ED is now accepting applications from Tribal governments engaged in the environmental review and authorization process for FAST-41 covered projects listed as “in progress” on the Federal Permitting Dashboard. 

To submit your application, download the Environmental Review Improvement Fund Tribal Assistance Program (ERIF TAP) application template and follow the ERIF TAP application instructions. Please submit one application package per Tribe to ERIF@permitting.gov. 

As you review the materials and identify initial questions, please review the Tribal Application Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), which will be updated biweekly as questions are received. If additional assistance is needed, please email ERIF@permitting.gov, and Permitting Council staff will respond and provide additional technical assistance as necessary. 

All requested funding must be used to support or enhance Tribal engagement in the Federal environmental review and authorization process for FAST-41 covered project(s), supporting more timely and efficient authorization decisions of the project(s). Tribal governments can use the funding for activities, including: 

• Equipment, supplies, and materials 
• Technical training
• Transportation costs 
• Per diem
• Contractors, consultants, and staff
• Contract support costs

The total funding requested should support projects for up to three years and cannot exceed the levels identified in the table below:

Additional Application Information:

• Applicants must be a Federally recognized Indian Tribe listed on the most recent notice of the Federal Register under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, 25 USC § 5130 et seq.
• This funding is non-competitive and project-specific. The Permitting Council ED will consider applications based on the availability of funds and until funding is expended. The Permitting Council ED encourages Tribal governments to submit applications as soon as possible. 
• The Permitting Council ED has partnered with the Department of Interior (DOI) Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to utilize BIA’s Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) Title 1 Self-Determination Contracts or Title 4 Self-Governance Compacts as the mechanisms to distribute the ERIF TAP. 
• ERIF TAP funds will be provided incrementally. The application should be submitted with work proposed in phases. After the application is accepted, the ED will work with applicants to finalize phases for incremental funding.

For More Information

If you have questions or need assistance completing your application, please email ERIF@permitting.gov.