U.S. Dan Boren, D-Okla., said the Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek) and Wyandotte nations and the Ottawa, Quapaw, Seneca-Cayuga tribes and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians will receive grants ranging from $750,520 to $800,000.

"I am pleased to announce that this money is headed to eastern Oklahoma," Boren said. "These grants are designed to enhance economic and infrastructure development in underserved areas, and they are important catalysts to the development of our local economies."

Rep. Tom Cole, a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, announced Thursday that the tribe also received an $800,000 grant.

Cole, R-Okla., said the grant will be used to help the tribe develop economic opportunities for members.

"As a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation, I understand the importance of creating opportunities for our less-fortunate fellow Oklahomans," he said. "I am glad that the tribe will have these funds to help the Chickasaw people secure decent housing and greater economic opportunities."

The congressmen said the grants were awarded through a program for tribes at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Grant given for training, business start-up aid

U.S. Rep. Dan Boren announced a $500,000 grant Thursday to Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma Inc. to help create self-employment and small-business opportunities in areas such as child care and cosmetology.

The Oklahoma Democrat said the money will help REI provide training and business development services that are crucial to breaking the cycle of poverty.

Boren said the grant was awarded through a program at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.