Renzi Fights for Formula Change to Increase Funding for Navajo Housing

Renzi Fights for Formula Change to Increase Funding for Navajo Housing

Announces $84.5 Million Grant for Navajo Nation Housing Authority

The Navajo Nation will be receiving millions more for tribal housing because of a formula change championed by Congressman Rick Renzi (AZ-1) to allow the use of expanded census data for Native American populations. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development this week awarded a new $84.5 million federal grant from the Indian Housing Block Grant program to the Navajo Housing Authority. Renzi's efforts have expanded the availability of housing funds for the Navajo Nation. Previously the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) had used so-called "multi-race" Census data, which shifted federal funding away from traditional tribal areas. Renzi fought against this decision because it violated HUD's own tribal consultation policy, and without the formula changes the Navajo Nation stood to lose millions in Native American federal housing grants in the administration's budget.

"Home ownership is the cornerstone of a strong community and the Navajo Nation housing programs include some of the most innovative tribal homeownership programs in the country," said Congressman Renzi. "These federal housing funds are well spent because they continue to improve the quality of life for residents of the Navajo Nation, and provide a foundation for strong and healthy communities."

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http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/az01_renzi/RenziNavajoHousingGrant.html