HUD SECRETARY DONOVAN ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION IN RECOVERY ACT GRANTS TO IMPROVE NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING, SPUR JOBS IN RHODE ISLAND
Grants bring total HUD's Recovery Act investment in Native American and Alaskan communities to a half billion dollars nationwide

WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan announced today
that HUD is awarding a $2 million grant to the Narragansett Indian Tribe in Charleston, Rhode Island. Provided
through The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), these grants will help to improve
the quality of housing stock, develop viable communities, promote energy efficiency and create jobs.

"I am proud to announce today that, thanks to the Recovery Act, HUD has invested a half billion dollars in Native American and Alaskan communities across the country, including communities right here in Charleston, Rhode
Island," said Secretary Donovan. "The additional funds being awarded today will go to work immediately in some
of the hardest hit communities, creating jobs and revitalizing neighborhoods."

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 currently 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 (http://www.hud.gov/recovery).

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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.