WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today announced that funds totaling $2,349,824 have been awarded to Maine from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funding is allocated as follows: • $350,000 to the Diocesan Bureau of Housing, Inc. • $250,000 to the Presque Isle Housing Authority • $250,000 to the Housing Authority of the City of Brewer • $400,000 to the Passamaquoddy Indian Township • $602,774 to the Aroostook Band of Micmacs • $497,050 to the City of Caribou "Every American deserves to have access to safe and affordable housing," Senators Snowe and Collins said in a joint statement. "Grants awarded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development help to make our goal of readily available housing a reality. These grants also contribute greatly to allowing Mainers to recognize the American dream of homeownership." Funding awarded to the Diocesan Bureau of Housing, Inc. was given as a Section 202 Demonstration Planning Grant (DPG). The purpose of this type of grant is to provide predevelopment grant funding sponsors to determine if they can bring their Section 202 projects from Fund Reservation to Initial Closing within 18 months if upfront funding is provided. The funds are for such predevelopment activities as architectural and engineering work, site control, and other expenses related to the development of the projects prior to initial closing. The grants awarded to the Presque Isle Housing Authority and the Housing Authority of the City of Brewer were given as Public and Indian Housing Resident Opportunity and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) grants. The purpose of this program is to provide grants to public housing agencies, tribes/tribally designated housing entities, Resident Associations, nonprofit organizations, including grassroots, faith-based and other community-based organizations. The grants are intended for the delivery and coordination of supportive services, resident empowerment activities, and activities that assist residents in attaining economic self-sufficiency and elderly residents and residents with disabilities to continue to live independently. Funding given to the Passamaquoddy Indian Township was in the form of an Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICBG). The Community Development Block Grant Program for Indian Tribes and Alaskan Native Villages is a competitive assistance program. The primary purpose of this program is the development of viable Native American communities, including decent housing, a suitable living environment, and economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income. The grant given to the Aroostook Band of Micmacs was also in the form of an ICBG. It was approved under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) of 1996. These funds can be used for a variety of eligible affordable housing activities. These activities may include new construction, acquisition, modernization, or rehabilitation of rental or owner-occupied housing; housing services, housing management for low-income housing; crime prevention safety or model activities as described in the recipient's Indian Housing Plan. The grant awarded to the City of Caribou was given as a Special Project Grant. It will be used to improve and repair gymnasium and related facilities in the Armory building. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds private housing developments to assist in housing opportunities for low income residents. HUD provides rental assistance to approximately 1.5 million low-income households. It also funds community revitalization projects to meet local needs and expand opportunities for Americans. ###