$24.1 Million In Federal Grant Assistance Delivered To Oklahoma Tribes

U.S. Department of Agriculture issued grant assistance totaling more than $24.1 million to three Tribal Nations in Oklahoma to assist in high-speed internet, higher education, tribal language preservation, and more.

Friday, December 22nd 2023, 8:32 am

By: News On 6

Several Oklahoma Tribes are getting more than $24 million from the US Department of Agriculture.

More than $22 million will go toward getting high-speed internet throughout the Choctaw Nation. Grants will also go to the Cherokee Nation for STEM and language courses and to the College of the Muskogee Nation.

“The grants from the USDA recognize two of the Choctaw Nation’s primary concerns – preserving our culture and preparing our communities for the future,” said Choctaw Chief Garry Batton. “They also demonstrate the trust the U.S. government has in our tribe to provide the greatest benefit for the people of Oklahoma.”

Grants were awarded in the following areas:

$1 million to deliver STEM and language courses delivered through Cherokee Nation
$22.3 million to deliver high-speed internet through the Choctaw Nation
$558K to deliver Choctaw language courses through the Choctaw Nation
$334K to support higher education at College of the Muskogee Nation

“Existing Choctaw Nation businesses and activities have demonstrated the potential for growth and economic development in southeast Oklahoma, and these funds will help us further expand opportunity for our members and our neighbors,” Batton said.

The USDA said these grants help to achieve the administration's goal of expanding economic opportunities, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas.