“We are thinking of our Nation as a whole, looking generations ahead to make our communities stronger for future development and that requires investments in basic infrastructure,” said Navajo Nation President Nez.

“Adequate funding for Indian Country is crucial now more than ever, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic has, and continues to be, the deadliest for American Indian and Alaska Native communities,” said Francys Crevier of the National Council of Urban Indian Health.

Urban Indian health providers will finally be able to use existing funds to expand, renovate and upgrade their facilities under the bipartisan infrastructure bill.

“This technical fix will be critical to expanding health care infrastructure for Native communities who have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said CEO Francys Crevier of the National Council of Urban Indian Health.

“Tribal communities face grave and unjust disparities in access to many kinds of infrastructure, but the disparities in access to health care and health infrastructure are especially stark,” said Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California).