At the National Museum of the American Indian Mr. Perrelli announced the first grants under the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS), a new effort combining 10 different Department of Justice grant programs into a single solicitation. “Today, we take another major step toward true nation-to-nation collaboration,” said Perrelli. “CTAS is not only a more streamlined grant-making process, it is part of the department’s broader strategy of increased engagement with tribal communities across a broad range of areas.”

Tribes submitted more than 200 applications with more than 700 funding requests. This more streamlined process has resulted in more applications for a more diverse group of grants. The Department of Justice is proud to support the Tribal Law and Order Act, which President Obama signed into law in July. This landmark Act increases accountability for federal agencies responsible for public safety in Indian Country and gives greater local control to tribal law enforcement agencies.

Native communities are working hard to address high rates of alcohol and drug abuse and the attendant crime. For the communities whose applications were approved, this program is making $10 million available to help prevent and reduce substance abuse-related crimes.