PRESQUE ISLE – An American Indian tribe in Maine will receive $600,000 in federal money to provide more affordable housing for its members.

Map from Aroostook Band of Micmacs website

The money is coming to the Aroostook Band of Micmacs in the form of an Indian Housing Block Grant. The Micmacs are the northernmost American Indian tribe in the state.

The Indian Housing Block Grant Program is through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. It is used to build housing and economic opportunities that benefit mostly people of low and moderate income in American Indian communities.

Maine Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King worked to secure the money. They say it will support “vital projects that provide safe, affordable housing” for members of the tribe.