This may be a result of dealing with tangible resources such as water, trees, air, etc. The TOC is concerned that the EPA tribal budget is flatlined for the next 4 fiscal years. GAP and Section 106 grants are the most important grants for tribes. While the Agency has requested lifting the cap on Section 319 funds, the amount of funds are not adequate. CWA 106 funds are also not adequate.
States are in a maintenance mode, while tribes are in a development mode.
The TOC has an expectation of EPA to disinvest in State program funds in order to meet the statutory obligations of the Agency in Indian Country. Direct implementation is necessary and EPA must provide the budget to fulfill its responsibility. The TOC would like to operate under the Administrator's office instead of the Office of Water. The TOC wants real involvement in the budget early in the process, where its meaningful, not at the end. A working group has been established to make recommendations to the Agency.