Collapse to view only § 29.805 - When can the Department immediately terminate a compact or funding agreement (or portion thereof)?

§ 29.800 - When can the Department reassume a compact or funding agreement?

The Department may terminate and reassume a compact or funding agreement (or portion thereof) when the Department makes a specific finding, in writing, to a Tribe, that the Department has found that there is:

(a) Imminent jeopardy to a trust asset, natural resources, or public health and safety that is caused by an act or omission of the Tribe and that arises out of a failure by the Tribe to carry out the compact or funding agreement; or

(b) Gross mismanagement with respect to funds included in a funding agreement, as determined by the Department in consultation with the Office of the Inspector General, as appropriate. Gross mismanagement means a significant, clear, and convincing violation of compact, funding agreement, or regulatory or statutory requirements applicable to Federal funds included in a compact and funding agreement that results in a significant reduction of funds available for the PSFA carried out by the Tribe.

§ 29.801 - Can the Department reassume a portion of a compact or funding agreement and the associated funds?

The Department may reassume a portion of a compact or funding agreement and the associated funds if the Department has sufficient grounds to do so. The Department must identify the narrowest portion of the compact or funding agreement for reassumption.

§ 29.802 - What process must the Department follow before termination of a compact or funding agreement (or portion thereof)?

Except as provided in § 29.805, prior to a termination becoming effective, the Department must:

(a) Notify the Tribe in writing by any method that provides receipt of the findings required under § 29.800;

(b) Request specific corrective action within a reasonable period, no less than 45 days, to correct the conditions that may result in the Department's termination of a compact or funding agreement (or portion thereof);

(c) To the extent feasible and if requested, provide technical assistance to assist the Tribe in overcoming the conditions that led to the findings described under paragraph (a) of this section. Technical assistance may take the form of feedback, review, and other assistance requested, as appropriate; and

(d) Provide an opportunity for a hearing on the record in accordance with Subpart J of this part.

§ 29.803 - What happens if the Department determines that the Tribe has not corrected the conditions that the Department identified in the notice?

(a) If the Department determines that the Tribe has not corrected the conditions that the Department identified in the notice, the Department must provide a second written notice by any method that provides receipt to the Tribe notifying it that the Department will terminate the compact or funding agreement, in whole or in part.

(b) The second notice must include:

(1) The effective date of the termination;

(2) The details and facts supporting the termination; and

(3) Instructions that explain the Tribe's right to a hearing pursuant to § 29.925.

§ 29.804 - When may the Department reassume?

Except as provided in § 29.805, the Department may not reassume until 30 days after receipt of the notice, the final resolution of the hearing, or the resolution of any appeals, whichever is latest, to provide the Tribe with an opportunity to take corrective action in response to any adverse final ruling.

§ 29.805 - When can the Department immediately terminate a compact or funding agreement (or portion thereof)?

(a) The Department may immediately terminate a compact or funding agreement (or a portion thereof) if:

(1) The Department makes a finding of imminent substantial and irreparable jeopardy to a trust asset, natural resource, or public health and safety; and

(2) The jeopardy arises out of a failure to carry out the compact or funding agreement.

(b) The Department must provide notice of immediate termination by any method that provides receipt. The notice must set forth the findings that support the Department's determination, advise the Tribe whether it will be reimbursed for any closeout costs incurred after the termination, request the return of any property, and advise the Tribe of its right to a hearing pursuant to § 29.925. Concurrently, the Department must notify the Office of Hearings that the Department intends to immediately terminate a compact or funding agreement. Pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 207(f)(2)(E) and § 29.928, the Department has the burden of proof in any hearing or appeal of an immediate termination.

§ 29.806 - Upon termination, what happens to the funds associated with the terminated portions of the compact or funding agreement?

Upon termination, the Department will reassume the remaining funds associated with the terminated portions of the compact or funding agreement. The Department may:

(a) Transfer funds associated with transportation services provided by the Department of the Interior to the Department of the Interior; or

(b) Distribute any funds not transmitted to the Department of the Interior in accordance with applicable law.