WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan recently announced another $252 million in Recovery Act funds to improve housing and spur economic development in Indian country.

The grants are intended to promote greater energy efficiency, mold remediation and energy conservation retrofit investments, agency officials said.

Following a recent tour of tribal homes in Montana, Donovan said the stimulus funds will help Indian communities create jobs while improving the quality of their housing, building communities and promoting energy efficiency.

“If we’re serious about reinvesting in programs to improve housing conditions for all Americans, we must make a serious investment for our first Americans,” Donovan said after a meeting with tribal leaders.

“The Recovery Act offers grants that will significantly improve housing conditions and reduce overcrowding and other substandard conditions that many Native Americans endure.”

HUD previously allocated $255 million in stimulus funding to nearly 600 eligible tribes and tribal housing entities. That funding is already being used, agency officials said.

The total stimulus investment for housing and community development in Indian country is nearly $510 million, which includes the formula and competitive awards and funding for administrative activities.