09.01.20

Hoeven Announces CARES Act Funding to Assist Housing Needs for North Dakota Tribes

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA) and a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), through the Office of Native American Programs (ONAP), has awarded $100 million in Indian Community Development Block Grant Imminent Threat Program (ICDBG-CARES) competitive funding to Indian Tribes and Tribal Housing Authorities. 

The ICDBG-CARES funding helps address problems that pose an imminent threat to the public health or safety of tribal residents and will be used to help Indian Tribes prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Two North Dakota Tribes are recipients of the grant: 

  • Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians – $2,992,568
  • Three Affiliated Tribes (MHA Nation) – $900,000 

“The need for safe, affordable housing in tribal communities remains a central concern as tribes work to respond to and recover from COVID-19. Congress appropriated these funds to help address that need. I appreciate the President and administration for working with us on tribal housing issues during these challenging times,” said Hoeven.

As Chairman of SCIA, Hoeven continues to address the housing shortage in tribal communities through legislation that:

  • Provides greater local control in promoting development.
  • Reduces burdensome regulations and red tape that slow housing development.
  • Ensures resources, like housing vouchers, are available to Native veterans and their families.

On June 25, 2020, Chairman Hoeven along with Vice Chairman Udall introduced the bipartisan S. 4090, the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2020, to address the housing needs of Indian Tribes by reauthorizing the Native American Housing and Self Determination Act. On January 29, 2019, Chairman Hoeven along with Vice Chairman Udall, Senator Isakson, and Senator Tester introduced the bi-partisan S. 257, the Tribal HUD-VASH Act of 2019, to provide vouchers and health care resources to Native American Veterans within and around tribal communities. On June 27, 2019, S. 257 passed the Senate by unanimous consent and is awaiting action in the House of Representatives. 

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