HUD awards Micmacs mold prevention funds
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $12.4 million to 18 tribal communities in 13 states to remove and prevent dangerous mold in more than 1,000 homes.
This is the largest amount to date awarded by HUD for this purpose. The grants are being made available through HUD’s Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) program, which addresses a wide variety of community development and affordable housing activities.
In Maine, the Aroostook Band of Micmacs in Presque Isle will receive $605,000.
Funds awarded will support mold remediation in housing owned or operated by tribes, tribally designated housing entities, or tribal organizations, with priority given to units with the most evidence of mold.
All the grantees will address moisture issues by using construction materials and techniques known to resist mold, and ensuring that staff or contractors use safe practices for identifying and remediating mold. They will also educate residents on ways to prevent mold from reoccurring in the future.
