Tribes struggle to meet deadline to spend virus relief aid

The Associated Press - July 11, 2020 12:06 pm

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Tribes across the country are wrestling with competing needs, restrictive laws and inadequate staffing as they try to meet a tight federal deadline on spending billions of dollars in virus relief funds.

Congress set aside $8 billion for tribes that must be spent by the end of the year and meet strict federal guidelines. Otherwise, the tribes risk having to send it back.

Officials on the vast Navajo Nation have received $714 million in aid but approved just $60 million for health care, protective equipment, and front-line workers against the virus. Rifts between the tribal government’s legislative and executive branches have delayed putting more of the money to use.

 

Latest Stories

No. 9 OU women remain unbeaten with 88-58 victory over UNLV

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Senior Skylar Vann scored 15 points and her sister, freshman Zya Vann,...

Bryce Thompson scores 17 points and OSU beats Miami 80-74 in the Charleston Classic

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Bryce Thompson scored 17 points, Marchelus Avery had 15 points and eight...

Freshman Jeremiah Fears, Duke Miles propel OU to 84-56 victory over East Texas A&M

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Freshman Jeremiah Fears finished with 20 points, Duke Miles scored 19, and...