[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 12 (Wednesday, February 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE NORTHERN CIRCLE INDIAN HOUSING AUTHORITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 2004

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the Northern Circle Indian Housing Authority (NCIHA) as it celebrates 
its 25th Anniversary.
  The NCIHA is the Tribally Designated Housing Entity (TDHE) for eight 
federally recognized Indian Tribes in Northern California. Originally 
created in 1980, the NCIHA is a valuable asset to Butte, Colusa, Lake, 
Mendocino and Sonoma Counties, providing safe and sanitary housing for 
low and moderate-income Native American families. The NCIHA is governed 
by a twenty member Board of Commissioners and staffed by 17 dedicated 
employees.
  Over its 25-year history, the NCIHA has built 324 housing units in 
nine locations, directing $60 million in construction planning and 
development programs. The organization manages an additional 232 
housing units located in seven reservation communities. The NCIHA also 
administers a down payment assistance home ownership program, rental 
subsidy programs, housing rehabilitation and replacement services for 
member tribes.
  In addition to these services, the NCIHA has worked to develop a 
Community Housing Development Organization to access state funding and 
increase housing opportunities for Native Americans. The NCIHA is 
sharing valuable resources and providing technical support with the 
newly formed United Native Housing Development Corporation to help 
assure its success.
  Mr. Speaker, the accomplishments of the NCIHA are recognized by many, 
most notably by the Office of Native American Programs, who awarded the 
NCIHA a Certificate of Excellence in 2000 and declared the organization 
one of the best of its kind. With the support of both the federal 
government and private foundations, the NCIHA is committed to the 
establishment of healthy communities for the Native Americans it 
serves. In addition to constructing and managing sufficient housing, 
NCIHA builds infrastructure including roads, water and sanitation 
facilities, and electric services.
  Mr. Speaker, for its commitment to serving the Native American 
population of Northern California, it is appropriate that we honor the 
employees and board of the Northern Circle Indian Housing Authority as 
they recognize their 25th anniversary.

                          ____________________