816F05002
               UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
                              WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460


                                    FEB  2   2005
                                                                           OFFICE OF
                                                                            WATER
Dear Tribal Leader:
       As you may be aware, in 2002 the United States supported the United Nations
goal to reduce by half the proportion of people around the world lacking access to safe
drinking water and basic sanitation. EPA developed a target in our 2004-2008 Strategic
Plan stating that we will work, in coordination with other federal partners, to reduce the
number of tribal households that lack access to these services.

       In order to meet that goal, EPA has joined an Interagency Infrastructure Task
Force, currently comprised of tribal, housing and infrastructure program representatives
from USDA Rural Development, Indian Health Service, Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD), and Department of Interior - Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
and Bureau of Reclamation (BoR). The Task Force meets monthly, facilitated by the
National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC), with input from tribal housing
authorities and interested tribal representatives.

       Beginning earlier this year, the Task Force is developing an interagency
agreement that will facilitate the cooperation among the signatory agencies in regards to
providing infrastructure services, using existing federal authorities and resources, in
support of quality housing for tribal communities. Once finalized, this agreement will
increase information sharing and set a framework to reduce bureaucratic roadblocks.  The
Task Force is also developing an agreement related to the safe drinking water and basic
sanitation access commitment.

       To date, we have briefed national tribal organizations that have expressed interest
in safe drinking water and basic sanitation, and we have their full support. I am writing
you today to confirm that the Task Force believes your insights into Indian country are
essential to its success.  In the next few months you will see information from EPA and
our Task Force partners. I invite you to engage us with your thoughts on this important
issue. If you are interested in discussing this effort further, please contact Carol
Jorgensen, Director of the American Indian Environmental Office at (202) 564-0303, or
have your staff contact Jeff Besougloff at (202) 564-0292.
                                        Sincen
                                        Benjamin H. Grumbles
                                        Assistant Administrator
                          Internet Address (URL) • http://www.epa.gov
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