Hollis Wormsby (205) 731-2617 | For
Release Thursday October 16, 2003 |
HUD DELIVERS $317,000 IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING FUNDS FOR OPELIKA
HUD grants invest in people and places in need
BIRMINGHAM - Opelika will receive $317,000 in federal assistance through the Department of Housing and Urban Development to stimulate local economies, produce affordable housing, help the homeless, and assist families and individuals with HIV/AIDS. In making today's announcement, HUD's Regional Director Brian Noyes said the funding signals HUD's commitment to helping local communities design their own plan to help lower income families.
"The funding we announce today is an investment
in Opelika's future - promoting economic development and job growth, increasing
the supply of affordable housing and helping our most vulnerable neighbors," said
Noyes. "These resources are evidence of HUD's continuing commitment to provide
communities with the resources they need to
meet the particular needs of their
residents."
The funding announced today is $317,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
HUD's Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Program enables state and local governments to target their
own economic
development priorities. The rehabilitation of affordable housing has traditionally
been the largest
single use of the grants although CDBG is also an important catalyst
for job growth and business opportunities for lower income families and neighborhoods.
HUD's block grant programs are distributed by formula around the country based on criteria including population, income levels, poverty rates and age of housing stock.
HUD
is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly
among minorities, creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans,
supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with
AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well
as
enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its
programs is available on the Internet.
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