By Michael Woestehoff, CEO
MPS (Navajo)
Water is life, and Indian Country just received a historic investment!
IHS Water Funding Reaches Its Final IIJA Year
The Indian Health Service announced fiscal year 2026 IHS water funding allocations of $700 million. Moreover, the funds come from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Between 2022 and 2026, the IIJA delivered $3.5 billion to IHS for Tribal water infrastructure. Additionally, IHS funded over 700 construction projects in the first four years.
“Clean drinking water and sanitation are fundamental public health priorities, and too many communities across Indian Country still lack these basic services,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. These projects benefit more than 109,000 American Indian and Alaska Native households.
Federal Partners Move in Lockstep With Tribal Priorities
IHS Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton noted that the agency remains “committed to this critical work to ensure our relatives enjoy the same water and sanitation services that many others take for granted.”
Furthermore, on April 24, 2026, the EPA announced an additional $90 million for Tribal water infrastructure. $30 million flows directly through the EPA-IHS partnership. In 2025, EPA also committed nearly $300 million through the Clean Water Indian Set Aside and Drinking Water Infrastructure Grants. Consequently, lead-reduction programs continue serving Native communities and elders.
Teller, Alaska Receives $65 Million IHS Water Funding Award
A landmark $65 million award will fund Teller’s first piped water and sewer system. As a result, 70 homes will gain relief from honey buckets and five-gallon hauling. Teller Mayor Blanche Okbaok Garnie described the daily reality. Residents wait at the community washeteria and ration water. Capt. Chris Fehrman, IHS Alaska Area Sanitation Facilities Construction Director, confirmed EPA partnership. Therefore, the project’s reach will extend further down the line.
Ellsworth is a Native owned small business and ISBEE-certified medical staffing company. We applaud these culturally competent investments. In addition, we remain committed to supporting Native health and Native practitioners.
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