WASHINGTON - Three area American Indian tribes have been granted more than $11 million from the federal government to be used for a range of affordable housing activities.

In all, a total of $18 million in annual U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grants were awarded to 10 Minnesota American Indian tribes.

The Leech Lake Band of Chippewa Indians received $4,035,203, while the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians received $3,841,147 and the White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians was granted $3,136,922, according to a release.

The grant funds are intended to benefit low-income families living on Indian reservations or in other American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The release states each grant amount is based on a formula that considers local needs and housing units under management by the tribe or designated entity.

The Housing and Urban Development's proposed 2017 budget seeks $700 million for Native American Housing Block Grants, which is $50 million above the 2016 level, according to the release.

Other funds granted to Minnesota tribes were:

• Bois Forte Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe-$1,029,961.

• Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior-$3,619,922.

• Grand Portage Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe-$361,389.

• Lower Sioux Indians Community in the State of Minnesota-$190,581.

• Mille Lacs Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe-$1,605,224.

• Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Comm. of Minnesota-$87,142.

• Upper Sioux Community - $268,885.