The Bureau of Indian Affairs plans to provide the first of the promised grants for tribal radio stations by the end of this year or early next, a department spokesperson told News Watch late Tuesday.
"The Department of the Interior and U.S. Indian Affairs are working to accelerate the implementation of a grant program to support tribal radio stations, utilizing existing program structures and staffing to ensure timely execution," the statement said.
Congress approved and President Donald Trump signed a bill last month canceling about $1.1 billion that had been approved for public broadcasting, including South Dakota Public Broadcasting and all non-commercial tribal radio stations.
