In 1992, Congress passed the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program Act. This act authorized EPA to provide Indian General Assistance Program (IGAP) grants to federally recognized tribes and tribal consortia for planning, developing and establishing environmental protection programs in Indian country, and for developing and implementing solid and hazardous waste programs on tribal lands.
The Igiugig Tribal Council guides the work, reviews and approves all grant application documents, accepts the grant award, supports IGAP staff, and reviews staff reports to understand and track work plan activities.
Igiugig has a deep commitment to the environment, recycling is a priority. We strive for a cleaner, healthier village for our residents and visitors alike. The village has a recycling center, community-supported greenhouse, and is looking forward to harnessing renewable energy such as hydrokinetic power (see Rivgen).
The village has been flying out cans with funding from Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling since the non-profit started in the 1982. It helped the organization pilot a program for flying out plastics in 2010. In 2015, Igiugig was the recipient of ALPAR’s Outstanding Recycling Community award.