Transmitted herewith is a copy of a Texas Department of Health Inter-Office
Memorandum from Robert G. Barrick, P.E., Regional Director of Environmental
and Consumer Health Protection, Public Health Region 9, to me dated May 19,
1978, concerning an evaluation of health conditions in Maverick County
where a portion of the Kickapoo Indian tribe resides. The memorandum
includes the results of a survey and evaluation of housing facilities
located beneath the International Bridge connecting Eagle Pass, Texas, and
Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. The impetus for the environmental health
survey was the application for a Community Development Block Grant being
submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Also transmitted herewith is a copy of a Texas Department of Health Inter-Office
Memorandum from Rodger G. Smyth, M.D., Director, Public Health Region 9, to me
dated June 6, 1978, summarizing the health problems which exist among the
Kickapoo Indians who reside in Eagle Pass. This summary adequately relates

the unsatisfactory environmental conditions under which the Kickapoos live to
the incidence of diseases among the members of the Kickapoo tribe. The contents
of the memorandum form the basis for our opinion that an imminent threat to
public health exists in the Kickapoo community.

The Texas Department of Health endorses the recommendations contained in the above mentioned environmental health survey and concurs in Doctor Smyth's conclusion that it is imperative that efforts be made to assist the Kickapoo Indians to correct the existing environmental problems. The Department urges that any help possible be given to protect the health of the natives of the Kickapoo Indian tribe and the residents of the adjacent communities of Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras.

Very truly yours,

David M. Cochran, P.E., Chief
Bureau of Environmental Health

DLH/rab

ccs: Mr. Walt Broemer, Executive Director
Texas Indian Commission

Honorable Edward P. Rodrigues, Mayor
City of Eagle Pass

Southwestern Texas Health District

Local Health Services, TDH

Public Health Region 9, TDH

The major health problems of the Kickapoo Indians in Eagle, Pass Texas include tuberculosis, diabetes, hypertension, and cardio-vascular disease. Health problems of the infants include malnutrition and dehydration.

A recent survey of the Kickapoos for tuberculosis revealed that over
50% of the tribe had evidence of tuberculous infection as shown by positive
tuberculin skin tests. A young female member of the tribe was hospitalized
this past winter because of tuberculosis and died as a result of her illness.

The stressful conditions under which this tribe must live under the international bridge in Eagle Fass contributes to numerous chronic health problems including hypertension and heart disease. Inadequate living conditions have also contributed to malnutrition and dehydration of th small children of this tribe.

There is no evidence of a drug abuse problem with this group, but there is an alcohol problem in the teenagers which definitely relates to their living conditions and the environment.

Many of these health problems will continue as long as the tribe continues to live under their present environmental circumstances. It is imperative that efforts be made to assist the Kickapoo Indians to correct these problems.

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Mirmative Action Employer

Honorable William P. Hobby
Chairman, Legislative Budget Board
Box 12666, Capitol Station
Austin, Texas 78711

Honorable D. R. "Tom" Uher
Chairman, State Affairs Committee
House of Representatives
Austin, Texas 78769

Gentlemen:

Opinion No. MW-49

Re: Authority of Texas Indian Commission to assist non-reservation Indians.

You ask several questions about the authority of the Texas Indian Commission to assist the Traditional Kickapoo Indians and intertribal Indian organizations. Article 542lz, V.T.C.S., gives the commission certain responsibilities and powers with respect to the Alabama-Coushatta and the Tigua Indian Reservations. The 65th Legislature enacted Senate Bill 168, which added the following provision to article 542lz:

Sec. A. (a) The Traditional Kickapoo Indians of
Texas are recognized as a Texas Indian tribe.

(b) The commission shall assist the Traditional
Kickapoo Indians and the intertribal Indian organiza-
tions chartered in this state in applying for and
managing, jointly with the commission, federal
programs and funds secured from the federal govern-
ment or private sources for the purpose of improving
health, education, and housing standards of these
Indians or increasing their economic capabilities.

(c) The commission may seek the cooperation of local and state agencies in administering programs or funds covered by Subsection (b) of this section.

Acts 1977, 65th Leg., ch. 399, S 2, at 1090.

Lieutenant Governor Hobby asks if the 1977 amendment allows the Texas Indian Commission to exercise the same powers and carry out the same responsibilities on behalf of the Traditional Kickapoo Tribe and the