ENERGY MONEY FOR SAULT TRIBE

We'll be watching to see if the Sault Tribe squanders this prize. I can't help but wonder if this was based on membership size since Sault Tribe does very little for many members and absolutely nothing for the majority of the members.

From the Sault Evening News...
SAULT STE. MARIE — Vice President Joe Biden and Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced plans to invest $3.2 billion in energy efficiency and conservation projects in U.S. cities, counties, states, territories, and Native American tribes. This includes $76,601,500 for state, county and city efforts in Michigan.
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Michigan was awarded $382,400 through the program.

The Bay Mills Indian Community will receive $51,300 for energy efficiency improvements.

The shocking news to Upper Peninsula residents is that of the $3.2 billion dollars awarded, none of it went any U.P. city or county. Not one.
None.

The only other U.P. entities to receive funding were the following Tribal governments:
Hannahville Indian Community, $35,100; Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, $68,900; and Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, $25,900.
Thursday’s announcement builds on an investment of $325,433,975 in Michigan weatherization and energy funding announced by the Administration on March 12 and detailed at energy.gov/recovery.
“These investments will save taxpayer dollars and create jobs in communities around the country,” said Vice President Biden. “Local leaders will have the flexibility in how they put these resources to work.”
Biden continued, “But we will hold them accountable for making the investments quickly and wisely to spur the local economy and cut energy use.”
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, funded by President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will provide formula grants for projects that reduce total energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency.