[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 68 (Monday, June 1, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S5522]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       ISTEA PROMOTES TRIBAL INFRASTRUCTURE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

 Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I am very pleased to note 
the inclusion in the Inter-modal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act 
of 1998 (ISTEA) of key provisions to provide increased funding for 
Indian roads, highways, and bridges; to provide for the allocation of 
scarce ISTEA dollars for Indian tribes pursuant to a flexible 
negotiated rule-making procedure; and to ensure that all ISTEA funds 
will be made available to tribes that choose to enter contracts under 
the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975, 
P.L. 93-638.
  These provisions are critical because they recognize the high level 
of unfunded infrastructure needs in Indian country, and respect Indian 
tribal authority and capacity to administer ISTEA dollars in ways that 
are tailored to unique local conditions and needs. These provisions 
will assist tribes in attracting and retaining investment and job-
creating activities to Indian reservations. There are many reasons why 
it is imperative that Indian tribes foster vigorous economies. In 1996, 
Congress enacted a reform of the welfare system that requires able-
bodied Americans to be industrious and look first to themselves, not 
the government, for help and hope. That law is now being implemented 
across the country.
  Most reservation economies are heavily reliant on federal transfer 
payments. Most Americans have read about the grinding poverty most 
Indian people face: high unemployment, lack of decent housing, and poor 
health, alcoholism, diabetes, cancer, and a staggering suicide rate.
  The success of the welfare reform law depends on the availability of 
jobs that can take the place of transfer payments and government 
assistance. In Indian country, with a national unemployment rate of 
52%, job opportunities are scarce. There is a role for the federal 
government in helping Indian communities make the transition from 
dependence to self-reliance. Employment training, removing barriers to 
lending, and increasing Indian entrepreneurship are essential if tribes 
are to be successful in creating jobs. By far the most important is in 
fostering relationships with the private sector, which requires a solid 
physical infrastructure which can support business needs.
  In an economy increasingly reliant on global opportunities, tribes 
must be competitive. There are many investment opportunities, and other 
things being equal, tribal economies without basic infrastructure are 
not as attractive as those that can provide the amenities necessary for 
successful ventures. I am very pleased to have supported these 
provisions and am committed to building a solid private sector in 
Indian country, creating job opportunities for Indian people, and 
lessening dependence on the federal government.
  Mr. President, I would like to acknowledge the testimony of the 
Honorable Bobby Whitefeather, Chairman of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa 
Indians, and Mr. John Sunchild, Executive Director of the National 
Tribal Development Association, regarding reservation infrastructure 
needs and economic development which was submitted to the Committee on 
Indian Affairs as providing key insights into the infrastructure 
problem in Indian country.

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