The Bureau of Indian Affairs has requested a substantial increase in funding for the operation of Indian programs in fiscal year 1976. Its budget request of $526.9 million for these programs is approximately $48 million greater than the appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975.
Bureau In addition to the funds requested for the operation of Indian programs, the Bureau has requested appropriation of $61. 4 million for construction of irrigation systems, buildings and utilities; $66. 7 million for road construction; $70 million for Alaska Native Claims; $12 million to complete the authorized funding of the Indian Revolving loan Fund, and $20 million for the loan Guaranty and Insurance The appropriation request totals $757,031,000.
For the first time funds were specifically requested for the payment of certain administrative costs connected with tribal contracts for the operation of Indian programs. This item accounts for $11.2 million of the $48 million increase.
The Indian Action Team program also received an increase exceeding$11 million. The expanded program will provide for 50 contracts involving more than 3,000 Indians in training and work experience projects that normally result in the construction of on-reservation facilities for community development.
For Indian Education Programs $230.2 million was requested. This is an increase of $3. 7 million. The request includes about $32 million for higher education assistance and $28 million in Johnson-O'Malley funds for programs in public schools.
More than $106.1 million was requested for Indian services -- an increase of $6.1 million. This includes $1.2 million for aid to tribal governments; $66.1 million for social services; $13.6 million for law enforcement, and $14.3 million for housing.
While most of the new home construction on reservations is the responsibility of the Department of Housing and Urban Development under separate appropriations, Bureau than of Indian Affairs programs will provide for about 400 new homes and more 2,250 renovations.
The request for $86.5 million for tribal resources development, including the Indian Action Team expansion, is an increase of $16.2 million. Sane of the larger items in this request were $26.4 million for forestry and agriculture; $14 million for direct employment, and $14 million for business enterprises. This last item includes $10 million authorized by the Indian Financing Act of 1974.
For trust responsibilities and services $20.9 million was requested -- an increase of $2.3 million. Among other things, this increase will permit initiating 35 additional water studies, and completing 5 water use plans now underway. It will also provide for increasing land appraisals, lease and management services and strengthening trust fund management and accounting services.
A request of $83.2 million was submitted for general management and facilities operations. This is an increase of $18.2 million, but includes the request for Indian contract support funds. Almost $60 million of this amount is for the operation, repair, maintenance and leasing of physical facilities in support of Bureau programs. For the general management and administration of the Bureau is $7.8 million and $2.6 million for annual program planning and development at the reservation level.
The construction program in fiscal year 1976 includes funds for 8 additional classrooms and 8 related staff quarters; for a joint sewage disposal system at Sitka, Alaska; construction of St. Michaels Day School, Alaska; second phase construction of Diomede Day School, Alaska; construction of the second phase of Santa Rosa School, Arizona; construction of a rehabilitation, treatment and incarceration facility at San Carlos, Arizona; construction of the third phase of the Sherman Indian High School, California; and construction of a replacement high school at Fort Yates, North Dakota on the Standing Rock Reservation. Funds also will provide for design drawings for future projects and the purchase of equipment for facilities now under construction. Total request for FY 1976 is $31.0 million.
The proposed budget estimates for irrigation systems for fiscal year 1976 provides $22.8 million for the Navajo Indian Irrigation Project located in New Mexico and $7.6 million for other irrigation projects and related power systems.
The Bureau has requested $827,392,000 in budget authority. This authorization is required to enable the Bureau to obligate both the appropriated funds and receipts from other sources, such as permanent and trust funds not included in the annual appropriation.
A detailed breakdown of appropriations requested for Fiscal Year 1976 as compared to Fiscal Year 1975 is attached.
