HUD awards $1.6 million to Seneca Nation

Grant funding supports development of housing, infrastructure, community facilities

Submitted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the allocation of nearly $70 million to 38 Tribal communities through the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) program to support the development of housing for families living on Indian reservations and in other Indian areas.

This allocation marks the second round of grants awarded from the fiscal year (FY) 2023 ICDBG competition. The latest round of funding includes over $50 million distributed among 27 Tribal communities nationwide. HUD announced the first round of ICDBG awards earlier this year.

HUD awarded $1,591,200 to the Seneca Nation of Indians, in addition to the $1,591,200 announced Feb. 7.

“As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ICDBG program, we are investing in the continued growth and prosperity of Tribal communities across our Nation,” HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge said. “The Biden-Harris administration remains steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling the federal government’s responsibility to our Tribal Nations.”

"This additional funding reaffirms HUD’s continued commitment to tribal families,” said Alicka Ampry-Samuel, HUD regional administrator for New York and New Jersey. "Increased resources allows Seneca Nation to build more than homes; this additional funding nurtures robust economic development, strengthens communities, and creates a brighter future.”

The grants, aimed at supporting American Indian and Alaskan Native families, can be used for a variety of purposes including infrastructure enhancement, community buildings, housing rehabilitation, land acquisition, economic development, and more.

“I could not be more proud of the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to Tribal community development, or more impressed by the caliber of projects that I’ve seen in Indian Country,” said Richard Monocchio, principal deputy assistant secretary for public and Indian housing. “Though the need for additional funding is still pressing, we know Tribes and Tribal Organizations will leverage every available dollar for the benefit of their members.” 

HUD extends its gratitude to Tribes for their invaluable feedback obtained through Tribal consultation, which influenced the development of this grant competition.

For further information on the ICDBG program and its impact on Tribal communities, visit www.hud.gov/codetalk.