07.29.09

Cantwell Announces Over $5.5 Million for Native American Housing Block Grant Program

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that Washington state will receive over $5.5 million in funding from the Native American Housing Block Grand Program, to address the shortage of Native American housing and improve existing inadequate housing.

 

“In our current economic state, it is important that we continue to support those who need it most,” said Cantwell. “The poverty rate for Native Americans is twice that of the average American, with many homes overcrowded and lacking basic plumbing and kitchen facilities, telephone services, and utility gas.  I believe it is imperative that we assist Native Americans in finding safe, adequate, affordable housing and I applaud the decision of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to award these funds.” 

A member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, Cantwell co-sponsored the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination of Reauthorization Act (NAHASDA) of 2007, which extended the program for five years.  NAHASDA authorizes funding for al Native American housing programs. 

 

Overall, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which Cantwell also supported, provided $510 million for tribal housing. 

 

The following tribes are slate to receive funding:

 

Kalispel Tribe – $1,034,542

 

Cowlitz Tribal Housing Authority – $2,624,865

 

Suquamish Tribe – $1,902,448

 

 

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