FEDERAL NATIVE AMERICAN INITIATIVE WINS MAJOR AWARD

WASHINGTON - An interagency federal initiative that helps American Indian and Alaska Native communities enhance their economic infrastructure has been chosen from nearly 1,400 nominees as the winner of an award for excellence in government.

Native eDGE, which links 18 federal agencies to resources that enables individuals, tribes, non-profits, foundations and private businesses to collaborate to promote economic growth in Indian Country, won the award bestowed by the Chief Information Officers Council.

Created only a year ago, Native eDGE is helping Indian Country bridge the chasm between those who have information and those who need it. It is a one-stop shop for federal and other grants, loans, loan guarantees and technical assistance. It includes a Web site, a publications clearinghouse and a technical assistance center staffed by economic development specialists.

"Native eDGE has proven to be a valued and innovative asset in creating economic development projects throughout Indian Country," said Jacqueline Johnson, HUD deputy assistant secretary, Office of Native American Programs. "Economic development in Indian Country means jobs and financial independence for Native American families."

The web site - http://nativeedge.hud.gov - houses a comprehensive inventory of federal programs available for economic development projects as well as links to multiple federal agencies. Databases of non-federal resources are also available via direct links from the Native eDGE page and electronic forms, publications and guidelines on economic development can be electronically downloaded from the site.

The clearinghouse, established through HUD's customer service and distribution center, provides informational brochures, pamphlets and reference materials on economic development. Users can call a toll-free number or log on to the regularly updated web site to access this information.

Native eDGE's technical assistance center is accessible via a toll-free telephone number (1-877-807-9013) and economic development specialists are available for detailed discussions with tribes, tribal entities, individuals and others interested in business opportunities in Indian Country.

Comprised of information officers from more than 20 federal agencies, the CIOC is the principal interagency forum for improving practices in the design, modernization, use, sharing and performance of federal government agency information resources. Co-sponsors of the award include the Industry Advisory Council, the Council for Excellence in Government and E-Gov.

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