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The Choctaw Nation, OK

As part of a demonstration in a Waste Characterization workshop, residents of Choctaw Nation collected bags of styrofoam cups from the Citizen Potowatami Nation Grand Casino to transport to its recycling facility.

The Choctaw Nation near Durant, OK has requested brownfields assistance to redevelop a closed middle school complex into a native serving Boys and Girls Club and new office space. This work will include abating asbestos and lead-based paint in buildings. Other priorities include:

• improving infrastructure and providing training and technical assistance to help the Tribe comply with safe drinking water standards and build capacity
• developing Household Hazardous Waste outreach and collection events
• developing local food systems with support from the federal Local Foods, Local Places Initiative

Designation as a federal “Promise Zone” will bring additional support for local priorities.