33 USC 2281a - Tribal Liaison

U.S Code last checked for updates: May 02, 2024

§ 2281a.

Tribal Liaison

(a)

In general

(b)

Duties

Each Tribal Liaison shall make recommendations to the applicable District Commander regarding, and be responsible for—

(1)

removing barriers to access to, and participation in, Corps of Engineers programs for Tribal communities, including by improving implementation of section 2213(m) of this title;

(2)

improving outreach to, and engagement with, Tribal communities about relevant Corps of Engineers programs and services;

(3)

identifying and engaging with Tribal communities suffering from water resources challenges;

(4)

improving, expanding, and facilitating government-to-government consultation between Tribal communities and the Corps of Engineers;

(5)

coordinating and implementing all relevant Tribal consultation policies and associated guidelines, including the requirements of section 2356 of title;

(6)

training and tools to facilitate the ability of Corps of Engineers staff to effectively engage with Tribal communities in a culturally competent manner, especially in regards to lands of ancestral, historic, or cultural significance to a Tribal community, including burial sites; and

(7)

such other issues identified by the Secretary.

(c)

Uniformity

Not later than 120 days after December 23, 2022, the Secretary shall finalize guidelines for—

(1)

a position description for Tribal Liaisons; and

(2)

required qualifications for Tribal Liaisons, including experience and expertise relating to Tribal communities and water resource issues.

(d)

Funding

(e)

Definitions

In this section:

(1)

Tribal community

(2)

Tribal Liaison

The term “Tribal Liaison” means a permanent employee of a Corps of Engineers district whose primary responsibilities are to—

(A)

serve as a direct line of communication between the District Commander and the Tribal communities within the boundaries of the Corps of Engineers district; and

(B)

ensure consistency in government-to-government relations.

(Pub. L. 117–263, div. H, title LXXXI, § 8112, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3704.)

cite as: 33 USC 2281a