The Lumbee tribal government and an organization that serves Lumbees have been awarded money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, according to a release from U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan.

The tribe will receive $4 million for housing projects in Scotland and surrounding areas.

The Lumbee Regional Development Association will receive $750,000 in grants and loans for community projects.

"These Recovery Act funds will give the Lumbees and the development association resources to upgrade housing and infrastructure in their community," Hagan stated. "During these difficult economic times, this investment will create jobs and boost the tribe's economy."

The $4 million for the tribe is being allocated through the Native American Housing Block Grant Program, a division of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

"The federal money coming to the tribe and the Lumbee Regional Development Association will greatly benefit the Lumbee community," said Tribal Chairman Jimmy Goins. "Because of the funds, homes will be rehabilitated, jobs will be created and we will be able to begin work on much needed community projects."

The money for the Lumbee Regional Development Association, an independent nonprofit organization that serves the Lumbee community, is part of the Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Community Facilities program.

LRDA plans to use the money to build a new Head Start and Early Start facility on Lamb Road off N.C. 211.

James Hardin, the agency's executive director, said the money is a loan the organization will repay in four years.

"The current Head Start building is dilapidated and we have an opportunity to add the Early Start program,'' Hardin said.

LRDA officials hope to have the building completed by August 2010.