$750K Secured to Expand Affordable Housing in Traverse City Region

Michigan Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) announced Thursday that $750,000 in federal funding has been secured to expand affordable housing for tribal members in the Traverse City region.

Officials say the funding will help build a sewer and water facility to support local affordable housing development in order to reduce overcrowding and homelessness among tribal members in the region.

The federal investment awarded to the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians was included in the bipartisan government funding bill for the 2022 fiscal year, which has been signed into law by President Biden.

“Tribal communities in our state have disproportionally struggled with housing insecurity – a problem that has only worsened throughout the pandemic,” stated Senator Peters. “This funding will help construct critical infrastructure needed to support affordable housing development in the Traverse City region, spurring economic growth and creating good-paying job opportunities to build the facilities. I’ll keep fighting to expand access to safe, affordable housing for tribal members and all Michiganders across the state.”

“Affordable housing is a critical need in the Grand Traverse region,” said Senator Stabenow. “This project will invest in the infrastructure needed to provide more people with affordable places to live while supporting the economy and creating jobs in the area.”

“On behalf of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, I want to say Miigwetch (thank you) to Senator Peters’ and Senator Stabenow’s offices in supporting GTB’s request in Omnibus FY 2022 for funding to develop sewer infrastructure at GTB’s Herkner Road tribal trust land located in Grand Traverse County,” says Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Chairman David Arroyo. “The sewer infrastructure is a condition precedent for tribal housing. Such housing will have a tremendous impact on our pressing need for housing. Our senators’ support is very much appreciated by all members of the Grand Traverse Band.”