SECRETARY DONOVAN APPROVES ALABAMA RECOVERY ACT PLANS TO REVITALIZE NEIGHBORHOODS AND CREATE JOBS

BIRMINGHAM - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today approved plans in 14 Alabama communities to use almost $5.5 million federal grant to help stabilize and revive local neighborhoods, rehabilitate affordable housing, and improve key public facilities. Funded through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program will support state and local community development while stimulating employment.

"The President's Recovery Act allows us to invest in local solutions to the many challenges our cities and counties
are confronting," said Donovan. "Today, I'm pleased to stand with the people of Alabama as they work to build a
real and lasting recovery for themselves and their children."

The Recovery Act includes $1 billion in CDBG funding to assist state and local governments to promote a wide range
of community development activities. These funds are expected to stabilize property values, prevent neighborhood blight, and create and preserve jobs. To read more about Alabama's proposed use of these funds, visit HUD's Recovery Act website.

Since 1974, HUD's CDBG Program has provided approximately $124 billion to state and local governments to target their own community development priorities. The rehabilitation of affordable housing and the improvement of public facilities have traditionally been the largest uses of CDBG although the program is also an important catalyst for job growth and business opportunities. Under the Recovery Act, recipients shall give priority to projects that can award contracts based on bids within 120 days.

See listing of Alabama grantees below.

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HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development, and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet
and espanol.hud.gov.