3 Arizona tribes receive $6.2M to bolster safe housing, living environment
Nov 16, 2021, 4:05 AM | Updated: 7:06 am
(Facebook Photo/Navajo Nation)
(Facebook Photo/Navajo Nation)
PHOENIX — Three tribal communities in Arizona were awarded over $6 million in federal funding to provide COVID-19 relief to impacted families and individuals.
The funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in an effort to preserve the health and safety of the communities by enlarging access to safe housing, a suitable living environment and economic opportunities, according to a press release.
“These awards will provide critical funding to tribes to help them prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19,” HUD Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman said in the release.
The largest allocation of $3,450,000 will go toward Navajo Nation as it is set to make improvements on sanitation services by building 69 septic systems or cisterns, installing drain fields and repairing water lines.
HUD set aside $1,725,000 for the San Carlos Housing Authority, which will aid families impacted by COVID-19 with emergency rent, mortgage and utility assistance.
Approximately $1 million has been put aside for the Cocopah Indian Tribe as it is set to construct 10 housing units for its elderly community in an effort to reduce the housing shortage and give temporary shelter for families affected by COVID-19.
Just under $74 million is being provided to 68 tribal communities across the country, according to the release.
The American Rescue Plan Act, passed earlier this year, supplies approximately $750 million in HUD resources to Indian Country.
