Tribe to spend $1 million providing free fuel to tribal households

Separate from any LIHEAP or CITGO fuel allotments, the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe announced Saturday that it plans to provide fuel assistance to all households within tribal territory, regardless of income or age.

The announcement came just as Mohawks in Akwesasne are turning on their furnaces for the first time this heating season, and facing the reality of all-time high fuel prices.

“We believe we’re in a position to help the community,” said Tribal Chief James Ransom.

The SRMT already has a fuel assistance program in place but since it was created three years ago, only senior citizens or low-income families could receive the free fuel.

“We’re expanding the program so that everyone who lives on the southern potion of the territory will be eligible,” Ransom said.

Ransom said that the precise dollar amount of fuel that will be provided to each home has been difficult to calculate due to the ever-changing prices. However, he expects the amount to be increased from the previous year’s $600 allotment in order to provide 200 gallons.

“The program is strictly in gallons, not dollars,” said David Staddon, the Tribe’s director of public information. “We’re trying to make that clear to community members to avoid confusion. Right now, we’re estimating about 200 gallons per household (minimum).”

The program is expected to cost the tribe $1 million to $1.2 million.

The only criteria for households to qualify for the fuel are that they are located on the southern portion of the territory and that they use a tribally licensed fuel provider. Those include #9 Fuels, Suburban, and Econo Fuels.

The application forms for the fuel are expected to be available in the next couple of weeks.

The fuel awarded to each household will be entirely separate from any CITGO fuel awarded. For the past two years the CITGO company has provided tribal communities with free fuel. Ransom said CITGO has stated they intend to offer the program again this year, but the official kick-off has been postponed.