The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is providing about $4 million to five American Indian tribes in Maine.
HUD Secretary Julian Castro says the tribes will use the funding "to build new homes or to solve their most pressing housing issues." HUD’s proposed fiscal 2017 Budget seeks $700 million for Native American Housing Block Grants. That’s a $50 million increase.
In Maine, the Passamaquoddy tribe is receiving nearly $987,000 for its Indian Township reservation and $845,000 for its reservation at Pleasant Point.
The Penobscots are getting nearly $981,000, the Aroostook Band of Micmacs is getting nearly $659,000 and the Houlton Band of Maliseets is getting nearly $553,000.
(Copyright (c) 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)