U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.5 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Expand Water and Sewer Access and Support Business Development on the Gun Lake Tribe Reservation in Michigan

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million grant to the Gun Lake Tribe, also known as the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians of Michigan, Shelbyville, Michigan, for water and sewer infrastructure upgrades needed to support economic growth. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan’s Indigenous Communities program.

This grant will support business development and will create job opportunities for the Tribe. The EDA investment will be matched with $2.3 million in local funds and is expected to create 350 jobs, retain 25 jobs and generate $10 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden is committed to supporting Tribal communities in their recovery from the coronavirus pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will assist the Gun Lake Tribe in creating new Tribal enterprises designed to increase economic resilience.”

“Tribal communities were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will grow the economy on the Tribal reservation and create new job opportunities for Tribal members.”

“I am committed to empowering our Tribal communities and ensuring that Michigan is a state where everyone can succeed,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The EDA’s $1.5 million investment will create and protect 375 jobs, strengthen the Gun Lake Tribe, and fund critical infrastructure improvements to foster strong economic growth and build on our momentum.” 

“I was proud to help pass the American Rescue Plan into law last year to deliver critical resources to our communities due to the public health crisis,” said Senator Gary Peters. “I’m pleased to welcome this federal investment to upgrade the Gun Lake Tribe’s water infrastructure and support the local economy.”

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Indigenous Communities program, 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.