Press Release - Shinnecock Indian Nation Celebrates EPA Brownfields Grant Award and Commends Environmental Department Leadership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Shinnecock Indian Nation Celebrates EPA Brownfields Grant Award and Commends Environmental Department Leadership 

SHINNECOCK TERRITORY, NY — The Shinnecock Indian Nation proudly celebrates the announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarding the Nation more than $950,000 through its Brownfields Assessment Grant Program to support environmental assessment, cleanup planning, reuse planning, and community engagement for sites within Shinnecock Territory and surrounding communities.  

The Council of Trustees extends its sincere congratulations and appreciation to Environmental Director Shavonne Smith and the entire Environmental Department for their unwavering commitment, technical expertise, and years of dedicated advocacy that made this achievement possible. 

This award is more than a grant, it is a testament to the Environmental Department's consistent efforts to protect the Nation's lands, waters, and natural resources while advancing opportunities for environmental restoration and sustainable economic development for future generations. 

The Council also recognizes that this success reflects the strength of the Nation's continued government-to-government relationships with federal partners and elected officials. Through persistent collaboration and advocacy, the Council of Trustees has worked alongside the Environmental Department to ensure that the priorities of the Shinnecock Indian Nation remain visible at the federal level. 

"We are incredibly proud of Shavonne Smith and her team for their dedication and perseverance," said the Council of Trustees. "This award reflects years of hard work, strategic planning, and steadfast advocacy on behalf of our Nation. Their commitment to protecting our homeland and advancing environmental stewardship continues to create meaningful opportunities for our community." 

The Council further acknowledges the partnership and support of Congressman Nick LaLota, whose continued engagement with the Shinnecock Indian Nation has helped strengthen government-to-government relationships and advance shared priorities for the region. 

The EPA grant will enable the Nation to assess potential brownfield sites throughout Southampton, Hampton Bays, and Shinnecock lands, including abandoned residences, beach properties, historic dump sites, and wetlands. The project will also support community engagement and future cleanup and redevelopment planning that aligns with the Nation's environmental and cultural values.  

The Council of Trustees remains committed to supporting initiatives that safeguard the health of the community, preserve the Nation's ancestral lands, and strengthen environmental resilience. This award represents another important milestone in the Nation's ongoing efforts to exercise its sovereign responsibility as steward of Shinnecock homelands while building productive partnerships with federal agencies and elected leaders. 

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