OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – Two back-to-back Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council emergency session meetings were held in person and via teleconference on Dec. 28 at the Mound Building.
The National Council addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills.
Emergency Session 1:
TR 22-182 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a memorandum of understanding with the City of Tulsa, the City of Jenks, and the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG) for the benefit of the low water dam project near Muscogee (Creek) Nation Property. Representative Nelson Harjo Sr. sponsored the bill, which was adopted 8-6.
The Low Water Dam Project will cost $97,076,000.00 and is intended to increase the use of the river frontage property, which includes property owned by MCN. The nation, as a partner, will contribute $8,192,000.00 to the project.
Emergency Session 2:
NCA 22-154 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending NCA 22-026 (A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fiscal Recovery Funding for the benefit of the Department of Health) to add the authorization of the expenditure of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, (“Cares Act”) Funds for the benefit of the Department of Health. Representative Joseph Hicks sponsored the bill, unanimously adopted 15-0.
The bill authorizes the use of $11,840,087.00 of ARPA funds to be expended. This comes after the increased emergency room visits during the pandemic, resulting in insufficient available capacity for patients. The nation will update the MCN Department of Health Medical Center Emergency Room with these federal funds.
NCA 22-155 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of funds awarded from the Department of Health and Human Services for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health-Special Diabetes Program for Indians Diabetes Prevention and Treatment Projects. Representative Galen Cloud sponsored the bill, unanimously adopted 15-0.
The grant awarded the MCN Department of Health $2,250,743.00 for diabetes treatment, prevention, and community services.
The meeting, agenda, and full legislation can be viewed at www.mcnnc.com.
