HUD AWARDS $600,000 FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL MONTANA
$16.8 million in Rural Housing and Economic Development grants awarded nationwide

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson today awarded $600,000 to two rural housing programs in Montana to stimulate economic development, create jobs and produce more affordable housing. The funding is part of $16.8 million in grants provided through HUD's Rural Housing and Economic Development Program nationwide (see attached).

In addition to the HUD grants announced today, rural communities are expected to generate more than $443,472
from other public and private sources to promote economic development and employment.

"These grants will go a long way toward producing more affordable housing in rural communities across our
country," said Jackson. "HUD funding, and the private investment these grants will generate, will offer more than
just an affordable home to working families in rural areas. These grants will trigger economic development and
breathe new life into rural neighborhoods that are desperate to grow."

Rural Housing and Economic Development (RHED) grants help pay for land acquisition, new home construction, housing demolition, infrastructure improvements and construction training. Other possible uses include
homeownership and financial counseling; financial assistance to homeowners, businesses and developers; creating micro enterprises and small business incubators; and establishing lines of credit or revolving loan pools to benefit
the local business community.

Qualified applicants are local rural nonprofit organizations, community development corporations, federally
recognized Indian tribes, State housing finance agencies and/or local economic development agencies. RHED grants have provided nearly $190 million, creating more than 12,000 jobs, assisting nearly 8,200 businesses and producing nearly 20,000 affordable homes.

Rural communities will use this funding as seed money to pay the start-up costs for housing or economic
development projects. These grants will also help organizations to hire and train their staffs, develop strategic
plans and acquire office space and other needed facilities.

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, and 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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The following Montana communities will receive grants under HUD's Rural Housing and Economic Development
Program this year:

Browning Community Development Corporation in Browning, Montana will receive a Rural Housing and Economic Development Innovative grant award in the amount of $300,000. The RHED funds will be used to assist the
Blackfeet Tribal members in a 2-year initiative. The objective of the first year is to establish financial education and asset building information, counseling and training opportunities for 500 of their residents. The information being provided will assist in curtailing predatory lending activities, increasing the decision making and literacy level of residents by educating them on various issues pertaining to housing and economic development. Partnering with
the organization will be the Blackfeet Community College and the Glacier County Regional Port Authority. Proposed leveraging for this project is $237,312.

Contact Person: Dr. Johnel H. Barcus
124 2nd Avenue, NW, Browning, MT 59417
Telephone Number: (406) 338-4015

Crow Tribal Housing Authority in Crow Agency, Montana will receive a Rural Housing and Economic Development Innovative grant award in the amount of $300,000. The funds will be used to establish and Authority in providing financial support for Apsaalooke families who need to make the leap from renter to home owner status. Homeownership training will enhance the ability of their tribal members to become first time homeowners.
Partnering with this Tribal Authority will be Apsaalooke Housing Authority along with the recipient Crow Tribe
Housing Authority. Proposed leveraging for this project is $206,160.

Contact Person: Audrey Toineeta Black Eagle
P. O. Box 99, #1 Circle Lane, Crow Agency, MT 59022
Telephone Number (406) 638-2665