BISMARCK – North Dakota and the state’s tribes will receive more than $11.2 million in the first allocation of funding to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.

U.S. Sen. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer announced Thursday the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded grants in North Dakota as a part of its first allocation from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law by President Trump last month.

COVID Recovery Community Development Block Grants went to:

– North Dakota , $2,345,392

– Fargo, $454,253

– Grand Forks, $268,054

– Bismarck, $239,107

The Community Development Block Grant program provides annual funding on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. The additional CDBG funds provided supplements the annual distribution, and is intended to provide resources to local communities to address COVID-19.

The Indian Housing Block Grant program supports the development and operation of low-income housing on Indian reservations and in Indian communities to support safe and healthy environments while preparing for and responding to COVID-19.

Receiving funds were:

– Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, $2.28 million

– Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, $1.7 million

– Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, $1.3 million

– Spirit Lake Tribe, $883,901

North Dakota received $1.67 million in Emergency Solutions Grant funding to support rehabilitation or conversion of buildings for use as emergency shelter for those in need. This funding will help provide emergency homeless shelters with sanitary supplies and services to reduce the spread of infectious disease in their programs.

“It’s vital all citizens have proper housing and shelter available, especially during these COVID-19 pandemic conditions,” said Hoeven. “This funding from the CARES Act continues to provide essential resources to those most in need in communities across North Dakota.”