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This Week: Secretary Haaland honors Black History Month at Interior; Interior announces $1.15 billion in available funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for states to clean up orphaned oil and gas wells; the White House Council on Native American Affairs focuses on the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and public safety resources across Indian Country; the annual meeting of the Interagency Group on Insular Areas brings together territorial governors, members of Congress and top government officials to discuss the challenges facing U.S. island territories; the Bureau of Reclamation makes its initial selection of projects to build long-term drought resiliency in five states; applications are now open for the American World War II Heritage Cities Program; and we're sending our best wishes to Team USA in our social media Picture of the Week!
Celebrating Black History Month!
 This week marks the start of Black History Month, a time to focus on Black history, heritage and communities in our country. As Secretary Haaland put it, "There is no American history without Black history. This month, as we celebrate the Black experience and culture, let us also use it to fight for equity and justice and to honor the contributions and sacrifices made by Black Americans to make this country what it is today."
Biden Administration Announces $1.15 Billion for Legacy Pollution Cleanup, Jobs
 Interior this week announced $1.15 billion in available funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for states to create jobs cleaning up orphaned oil and gas wells. Those wells are polluting backyards, recreation areas and public spaces across the country. Cleaning up these hazardous sites will create good-paying, union jobs, spur economic growth and revitalization, and reduce dangerous methane leaks.
Secretary Haaland Convenes White House Council on Native American Affairs
 This week's White House Council on Native American Affairs meeting with Tribal leaders focused on the implementation of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and public safety resources across Indian Country. Secretary Haaland is co-chair of the Council, and is bringing together senior administration officials and Tribal leaders to discuss challenges facing Tribal communities, such as climate resilience, replacing aging infrastructure and expanding access to clean drinking water and high-speed internet.
Infrastructure Takes Center Stage at IGIA Annual Meeting
 This week was the annual meeting of the Interagency Group on Insular Areas, bringing together territorial governors, members of Congress and top government officials to discuss the challenges facing the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Secretary Haaland was co-chair of the session, where leaders discussed the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law throughout the territories, along with other key issues such as climate change, economic development, energy, health, education, public safety and justice.
Bureau of Reclamation Selects 13 Projects for $20.5 Million in Drought Grants
 The Bureau of Reclamation made its initial selection of 13 projects for $20.5 million in grants to build long-term drought resiliency in five states. Reclamation's Drought Response Program is part of WaterSMART, Interior's program that focuses on improving water conservation and helping water-resource managers make sound decisions about water use.
 The National Park Service this week announced the 2022 application period for local jurisdictions to apply for the American World War II Heritage Cities Program. The honorary designation may be applied to a city in recognition of its contributions to the American war effort of World War II, and its continuing work to preserve its military history.
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