OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – A Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council Land, Natural Resources and Cultural Preservation Committee meeting was held February 8 at the Mound Building in Okmulgee.
All passed legislation is subject to the full council approval during the regular session.
LNC addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 22-025 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Representative Charles McHenry sponsored the resolution, which passed, 4-0.
The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians is affiliated with the MCN through descendants of the Natchez culture and 2030 will mark the tri-centennial of the French forcing the Natchez Indians out of their homeland.
MDAH plans to construct a new museum by 2030 honoring the Natchez and want to partner with the MCN.
TR 22-026 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with Bearden School District for the construction of a parking lot. Rep. Galen Cloud sponsored the resolution, which passed 4-0.
The Nation’s Tribal Transportation Program has funds available to construct asphalt parking lot with drainage improvements to be located at Bearden School. The estimated cost is $425,000.
TR 22-027 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with the College of Muscogee Nation for the construction of a parking lot. Rep. Anna Marshall sponsored the resolution, which passed 4-0.
The Nation’s Tribal Transportation Program has funds available to construct asphalt parking lot with drainage improvements to be located at CMN. The estimated cost is $440,000.
TR 22-028 Authorizing the Principal Chief to submit a 2022 Invasive Species Program Grant Application to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Rep. McHenry sponsored the resolution, which passed 4-0.
The Nation is need of restoring its pastures to native vegetation and to reduce invasive species that prevent the native vegetation from growing. The Invasive Species Eradication Project for the MCN Department of Natural Resources grant proposal shall be submitted in the amount of $243,555.
TR 22-029 Authorizing the construction of the Tulsa Head Start Parking Lot. Rep. McHenry sponsored the resolution, which passed 4-0.
MCN is in need of constructing a new parking lot at the Tulsa Head Start Building.
The project is estimated to cost $430,000 paid for by federal funds from the Nation’s Tribal Transportation Program.
TR 22-030 Authorizing the construction project of the Fleet Services parking lot. Rep. McHenry sponsored the resolution, which passed 4-0.
The Nation is in need of a new parking lot at the Fleet Services Building. The estimated cost is $530,000 paid for by federal funds from Nation’s Tribal Transportation Program.
TR 22-031 Authorizing the Principal Chief to apply for federal funding through the Federal Highway Administration to complete an Environmental Assessment, Hydraulic study and design a replacement bridge for fifteen bridges in six counties within the MCN Reservation. Rep. McHenry sponsored the resolution, which passed 4-0.
MCN Tribal Transportation Program has identified Bridge 02586 in Creek County, Bridge 11215 in Wagoner County, Bridge 0547318 in Okfuskee County, Bridges 04096, 02028, and 07583 in Hughes County, Bridges 0811419 and 00262 in Muskogee County, and Bridges 15717, 09714, 16462, 07488, 07248, 2010105, and 10402 in Okmulgee County, as being structurally deficient and a hazard to the traveling public
TR 22-032 Approving the Rental Subsidy Program for the MCN Department of Housing. Rep. Cloud sponsored the resolution, which passed 4-0.
Housing seeks to adopt and implement a policy designed to serve as a guide for the Rental Subsidy Program.
TR 22-036 Authorizing the construction of the Tribal Master Site Plan Capitol Complex Projects for the MCN. Rep. Cloud sponsored the resolution, which passed 4-0.
The project will consist of five new buildings and other associated site elements and infrastructure, as required to support the facilities and connected existing buildings with central plazas, sidewalks, outdoor gathering space, etc., in order to implement a connected, walkable and safer campus as described in the MCN Master Site Plan.
NCA 22-009 Appropriating funds to the Nation’s Realty Trust Services Department for equipment. Rep. Joseph Hicks sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0 and was forwarded to the Business, Finance and Justice committee for funding source.
The department wants to purchase two four-wheeler ATVs and two trailers for $24,198.
NCA 22-010 Authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the U.S. Department of Housing for the Resident Opportunity and Supportive Services – Services Coordinators grant for the benefit of the MCN Dept. of Housing. Rep. McHenry sponsors the legislation, which passed 4-0.
The Dept. of Housing was awarded the ROSS-SC grant in the amount of $443,196 and the Dept. will match $110,799 over the next three years.
NCA22-011 Appropriating funds to the Nation’s Facilities Department for equipment. Rep. McHenry sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0 and forwarded to BFJ for funding source.
The committee meetings can be watched at: www.mcnnc.com.
