OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Sixteen Oklahoma-based Indian tribes have received more than $11.8 million in federal grants to improve housing conditions and encourage construction projects and local jobs for low- and moderate-income families.

The grants by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development support a wide range of community development and affordable housing activities.

The program was established in 1977 to help Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages meet their community development needs. Federally recognized Indian tribes, bands, groups or nations and other tribal organizations are eligible for the funding.

The Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act will provide more than $718 million to fund programs to support housing and development initiatives in American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities to help create sustainable and community-driven solutions to housing challenges.