The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a grant of $900,000 to the Ute Mountain Ute Housing Authority on Monday.
The money will be used to construct water and sewer lines and a road to support the first 10 homes on a proposed 200-home development. The homes will provide affordable housing for low- to moderate-income families.
The money is coming from the Indian Community Block Grant Program, which helps finance Indian and Alaska Native communities, “including decent housing, suitable living environments and economic opportunities,” according to a HUD news release.
The program, established in 1977, received more than $736 million in 2014 to fund programs including infrastructure, new homes and rehabilitating existing homes.
The Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe has struggled with poverty issues. In 2009, more than 68 percent of tribal members lived below the poverty level according to City-Data.com.
abutler@durangoherald.com
