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 Recycled/Recyclable • Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on Recycled Paper (Minimum 30% Postconsumer) ------- |