Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $648,339 in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Sustainable Energy on the Oneida Nation Reservation in Northeast Wisconsin

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $648,339 grant to the Oneida Nation, Oneida, Wisconsin, to develop a strategic energy transition plan to develop a Tribal Utility Authority and explore the potential for a utility-scale solar facility and electric vehicle for tribal operations. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This grant would support the hiring of staff and a contractor for four years to complete and implement the plan.

“Tribal communities were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment in the Oneida Nation will support its efforts to transition to renewable energy to not only build economic resiliency on the reservation, but also diversify its economy and create energy sector-related jobs.”

“Investing in clean, sustainable energy is an environmental issue, an economic issue, and an equity issue,” said Governor Tony Evers. “As the original stewards of our land and water, the Tribal Nations in Wisconsin have been great partners in our work to build a better, more sustainable future for our state, and I am glad to see these funds going to the Oneida Nation to further this important work.”

“I voted for the American Rescue Plan and President Biden signed it into law because it delivers economic development support for Wisconsin to move forward,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “This federal investment will help the Oneida Nation move forward by creating good jobs and transitioning to a renewable energy future. I am thankful that the Biden Administration is committed to being a partner in supporting our Tribal communities in Wisconsin.”

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Indigenous Communities, which allocates $100 million in American Rescue Plan funding specifically to support the needs of Tribal Governments and Indigenous communities. The program supports these partners to develop and execute economic development projects they need to recover from the pandemic and build economies for the future. Indigenous communities are also eligible and encouraged to apply under all of EDA’s other programs. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.