HOULTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has approved an Indian Housing Block Grant of $346,320 for the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indian Housing Authority.

The funding is being made available under the authority of the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act of 1996.

The grant can be used for a variety of affordable housing projects, such as the modernization and renovation of low-income housing, as well as the construction of new housing units. Funds also can be used to provide services to residents of low-income housing, including crime prevention programs and other safety initiatives.

The grant was announced this week by U.S. Rep. John Baldacci.