The Department yesterday announced the availability of $574 million in 2003 HOPE VI grants to revitalize aged public housing and transform neighborhoods across the country.

Some $448 million is available for the HOPE VI Revitalization Program, which public housing authorities use to demolish, rehabilitate or rebuild severely distressed public housing units.

Another $40 million is available for the HOPE VI Demolition Program, which public housing authorities use to demolish distressed public housing to rid these dilapidated public housing units.

The remaining $86.2 million will support other activities related to implementing HOPE VI grants, such as creating Neighborhood Networks centers at the new developments, funding Housing Choice Vouchers used for relocating residents, and providing technical assistance to housing authorities that are awarded 2003 grants.

Public housing authorities have until January 20, 2004 to compete for Revitalization Grants and February 18, 2004 for Demolition Grants.

For more information about the grants go to the Federal Register website (www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html).