Interior Secretary Ken Salazar spoke to employees on Tuesday to mark the first 100 days since President Barack Obama took office.

Salazar, who also took office on January 20, 2009, said Obama has brought change to the Interior Department. He cited passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which includes about $2.5 billion for Indian health, education, infrastructure, water and other projects.

"Our agenda also focuses on empowering America’s Native American communities," said Salazar.

Salazar cited $500 million that the Bureau of Indian Affairs will use to improve school and housing construction, road and bridge improvements, and workforce development projects. He announced the funds during a visit to the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota on Saturday.

"We will fix schools. We will upgrade housing. We will build new roads. We will create new jobs," he said.

Salazar also cited the passage of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act. The bill settles the water rights of the Navajo Nation, the largest tribe in the country.

"Because of that legislation, 80,000 members of the Navajo Nation will have access to clean, running water for the very first time," Salazar said.

The department will release details of its fiscal year 2010 budget next week. Salazar, a former state attorney general, promised increases for law enforcement.

"The budget we will be releasing next week will put more officers on the streets, bolster tribal courts, and help fight violent crime and drug abuse," he said.

Relevant Documents:
Remarks to All Employees, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar (April 28, 2009)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act:
H.R.1 | S.1

Omnibus Lands Bill:
H.R.146 | S.22

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Salazar announces $500M in stimulus funds for tribes (4/27)
Obama signs omnibus public lands bill into law (3/31)