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Senate panel approves Interior appropriations bill
Thursday, June 24, 2004

The Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee approved the Department of Interior's spending bill on Tuesday.

Sen. Pete Domenici (R-New Mexico) said the bill includes $283.1 million for construction at BIA education facilities. He said money will be used for new schools in New Mexico.

"I’m pleased we’ve begun the process of passing an Interior Appropriations bill that will be beneficial to New Mexico. Among the items included this bill is full funding for BIA school replacement projects, including construction on the Beclabito Day School in Shiprock, Bread Springs Day School in Gallup, and Ojo Encino Day School in Cuba," Domenici said in a statement.

Domenici said the bill will provide an increase of $12.5 million above the Bush administration's request, and $7.3 million above the current level, for tribal colleges. Crownpoint Institute of Technology, a tribal college on the Navajo Nation, will receive an increase of $425,000 to $1.75 million.

Other Indian-related provisions noted by Domenici include:
• Land/Water Settlements - $14 million to fund a negotiated water settlement with Zuni Pueblo.
• Special Higher Education Scholarships - A 250,000 increase for BIA scholarships as requested for a total of $1.755 million.
• Navajo Indian Irrigation Project - $12.936 million is approved to continue construction on NIIP.
• BIA Safety of Dams – The committee funds $8.75 million for corrective actions at dams in New Mexico, including the following dams: Asaayi, Santa Ana, Todacheene.

The House already passed its version of the Interior bill, which increased funds for BIA schools and Indian Health Service facilities.

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