National | Politics

HUD Secretary addresses NAIHC conference in nation's capitol

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan addressed the National American Indian Housing Council at its 2011 legislative conference in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Donovan said the Obama administration has invested over a half-billion dollars in Indian Country. The money came from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The funds have been used to develop more than 1,100 affordable housing units, rehabilitate more than 8,600 homes and make over 18,000 "green" improvements in Indian Country, he said. "We know that HUD’s investments in Native American communities have brought real benefits to families and tribes," Donovan said in his prepared remarks. "Still, we know there’s more work to be done to ensure that Native American communities, and Native American workers, can compete and win in the 21st century -- and I’m proud to say HUD’s budget tackles these challenges head on."

Donovan said the fiscal year 2012 budget released by President Barack Obama released on Monday includes $782 million for Indian housing. Funding is about level to the current year.

"We are honored to have Secretary Donovan address our membership again this year. His presence and the sincerity of his words shows that he is dedicated to helping tribal communities and NAIHC is looking forward to working with the Department to ensure that tribal housing programs are adequately funded," NAIHC Chairwoman Cheryl Causley said in a press release.

The conference concludes today.

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Prepared Remarks of Secretary Shaun Donovan at the National American Indian Housing Council (HUD 2/16)