2 Arizona tribes to receive $1.6M in latest round of US tribal housing grants

PHOENIX — Two tribes in northern Arizona will receive $1.6 million in federal grants as part of COVID-19 relief efforts, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced Tuesday.

The Hualapai Tribe will get just over $1 million to buy five trailers to help alleviate a housing shortage, the department said, while the Yavapai-Apache Nation will use a $600,000 grant to renovate 13 community buildings where services are provided to members.

The grants are part of $83 million awarded to 74 tribes across the country in the third round of “imminent threat funding” from the department. Funding for the grants comes from the American Rescue Plan Act, with the total amount awarded so far being $209 million among 191 tribes.

“It is imperative that we continue providing tribal communities with resources needed to protect the health and safety of their communities,” HUD Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman said in a press release.

“With the funding HUD is awarding (Tuesday), we remain diligent in continuing our mission to ensure that every person has the security of a healthy home and community.”

The department said at least one more round of funding is coming with the remaining $71 million allotted for the Indian Community Development Block Grant program under the American Rescue Plan Act and that budget proposals have included increased funding.

It was decided the money awarded would be given out in rounds to allow more time for tribes to apply for grants, a change the department made after releasing all the money in one batch under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.

The maximum amount that could be awarded was also raised by 15% with increased available funding and higher construction costs, the department said.

Tribes that receive funding must report back to the department on how the money is being spent.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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