HUD ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION IN RECOVERY ACT GRANT TO IMPROVE HOUSING, SPUR JOBS IN MAINE

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan announced today that HUD is
awarding $2 million in grants to the Houlton Band of Maliseet community in Maine. Provided through The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), these grants will help to improve the quality of the
housing stock, develop viable communities, promote energy efficiency and create jobs.

"Today we make another investment in the economic recovery of our communities and neighborhoods, specifically those of our nation's first Americans," said Secretary Donovan. "I am proud to announce this Recovery Act grant today, which will help to improve housing conditions and create jobs in Native American communities across the country."

Native American Housing Block Grants (NAHBG) are allocated by formula to Indian tribes or tribal organizations representing tribes that are eligible to receive Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) funds. These funds can be used to build new housing and purchase land to support new housing construction. They also can be used to rehabilitate existing housing, including large-scale improvements such as
new roofs, plumbing and electrical systems to increase energy efficiency. The funding can build infrastructure, including roads and water and sewers facilities, to create suitable living environments. Priority is given to applicants that demonstrate an ability to obligate and expend the funds quickly.

The Recovery Act includes $13.61 billion for projects and programs administered by HUD, nearly 75 percent of which was allocated to state and local recipients only eight days after President Obama signed the Act into law. The remaining 25 percent of funds, including the grants announced today, are being awarded through a competitive
grant process in the coming months. HUD is committed to implementing Recovery Act investments swiftly and effectively as they generate tens of thousands of jobs, modernize homes to make them energy efficient, and help
the families and communities hardest hit by the economic crisis.

In addition, Secretary Donovan and the Department are committed to providing the highest level of transparency possible as Recovery Act funds are administered. It is vitally important that the American people are fully aware of how their tax dollars are being spent and can hold their federal leaders accountable. Every dollar of Recovery Act funds HUD spends can be reviewed and tracked at HUD's Recovery Act website. The full text of HUD's funding
notices and tracking of future performance of these grants is also available at HUD's Recovery Act website.

###

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to sustaining homeownership; 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 and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.