ALASKA COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES RECEIVE $2.3 MILLION IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

ANCHORAGE - The Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded three Alaska colleges and universities $2,399,444 in community development grants today. Grant recipients are:

The grants were awarded under the Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian Institutions Assisting Communities (AN/NHIAC) program. The purpose of the AN/NHIAC Program is to help Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian Institutions (AN/NHI) of higher education to expand their role and effectiveness in addressing community development needs in their
localities. Program activities may include neighborhood revitalization, housing, and economic development, principally for persons of low and moderate income, consistent with the purposes of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.

"These grants are investments in our future generations of great Americans," said Secretary Jackson. "Not only will these funds help improve neighborhoods but they will help people and places by creating new jobs and economic opportunities in their communities."

The AN/NHIAC Program is one of several initiatives administered by HUD's Office of University Partnerships (OUP). Established in 1994, OUP is a catalyst for partnering colleges and universities with their communities in a shared search for answers to pressing urban problems. More information about OUP and its programs is available on the Internet.

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HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as
well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.