AST Courts Infrastructure Project

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe is seeking funding through CTAS Purpose Area 4 to address the needs of the tribal justice system. Based on the recommendations of their 2019 Tribal Court Assessment, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe identified the following needs: adequate space to house crucial staff and provide proper accessibility, safety, and convenience for people with disabilities and the general public. In the fall of 2019, an executive committee member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe hired a contractor to complete a renovation assessment/proposal for the remodel of a building to accommodate the needs of the tribal courts. The tribe will use grant funds to hire a contractor to renovate a section of a current building and purchase furniture for the new space. This renovation is needed in order for the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Courts to operate more adequately while meeting the needs of the tribal justice system for the Absentee Shawnee tribal members and the surrounding communities within its jurisdiction. The renovations will assist with the courts with accommodations for future growth. Also, the courts building will be able to be meet Americans with Disabilities Act compliance as a result of renovations. This funding will assist with the costs needed for the renovations.