HUD ANNOUNCES $26.8 MILLION IN RECOVERY ACT GRANTS TO IMPROVE NATIVE HOUSING, SPUR JOBS IN OKLAHOMA
Grants will boost energy efficiency, create jobs for nine tribes

OKLAHOMA CITY - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan announced today that HUD is awarding $26,884,788 in grants to nine Native American communities in Oklahoma. Provided through The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), these grants will help these communities to improve the quality of their housing stock, develop viable communities, promote energy efficiency and create jobs (see attached grant list).

"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 these Recovery Act grants 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.

Indian Community Development Block Grants (ICDBG) are available by competition for Indian tribes or tribal organizations representing tribes that received an ICDBG grant in Fiscal Year 2008. These funds can be used to encourage economic development, including establishing a wide variety of commercial, industrial and agricultural projects. Priority is given to applicants that create job opportunities that will bring economic recovery to tribal communities; and to promote energy efficiency in their projects.

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.

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.

The grants being awarded under both programs in Oklahoma are as follows: