U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that $108.8 million in funding for targeted students and communities is now available to states under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Today's announcement follows the first $44 billion in education-related Recovery funds made available on April 1.

The release of funds includes $39.6 million in 180 Impact Aid Construction grants for communities with military bases, Indian reservations and other federal property that do not generate local tax revenues. Another $69.2 million in 52 Homeless Children and Youth grants helps states and school districts meet the educational and related needs of homeless students.

"Given our difficult economic circumstances, it's very important that targeted communities and at-risk populations benefit immediately from the stimulus program," Duncan said. "These investments will create jobs and boost local economies, while also helping raise student achievement."

The Impact Aid Construction grants, which will be distributed by formula, can help repair and modernize schools and alleviate overcrowding. State agencies will receive the Homeless Children and Youth funds by formula and may distribute them to districts via formula or competitive process.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information on this and other aspects of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, see http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/index.html#homeless.

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