BUSH ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES OVER $1.6 MILLION IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING GRANTS FOR FORT HALL HOUSING AUTHORITY
HUD grants targeted to lower income persons and families in need

BOISE, ID - The Fort Hall Housing Authority will receive $1,616,514 in federal assistance to promote affordable housing, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson announced today.

"These grants do so much good for so many people," Jackson said. "This money helps Native American communities
do the critical work of providing affordable housing and helping our most vulnerable neighbors."

The funding announced today is provided through HUD's Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Program, which assists tribes or tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs) with funds for a full range of affordable housing programs, including housing development; modernization; management services and operating assistance; housing counseling; crime prevention; and, safety training and technical assistance. The block grant approach to housing for Native Americans was created in 1996, when the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act
(NAHASDA) was passed by Congress, giving tribes the authority to determine how funds should be used to address the specific needs of their communities.

"NAHASDA funds have supported construction of affordable housing for Idaho tribes over the years," said Connie Hogland, HUD's Idaho State Office Director, "and we're pleased to allocate these funds to further promote affordable housing for the Fort Hall tribe."

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.

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