H.R. 2074 would create a new program at the Department of the Interior (DOI) to assist tribal governments in restoring and managing buffalo herds on their own lands. Under the act the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) could award grants to tribes to implement buffalo restoration programs, protect habitat, and conduct activities that enhance the commercial and practical value of buffalo. In addition, DOI would be required to consult annually with tribal nations on federal initiatives that affect buffalos or buffalo habitats.
H.R. 2074 would permanently authorize an annual appropriation of $14 million, beginning with the first fiscal year after the date of enactment. For this estimate, CBO assumes that H.R. 2074 will be enacted late in fiscal year 2022 and that the first appropriation would be provided in 2023. Using information from BIA and based on historical spending patterns for similar activities, CBO estimates that implementing the act would cost $47 million over the 2022-2026 period and $117 million over the 2022-2031 period.
The costs of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, fall within budget function 450 (community and regional development).
