HUD APPROVES $6 MILLION LOAN GUARANTEE TO PASADENA, CALIFORNIA

LOS ANGELES - The Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced that it is approving a $6 million Section 108 Loan Guarantee to the City of Pasadena to construct a synthetic multi-purpose turf sports field, rehabilitation of an existing recreation and gymnasium building and construction of a new recreation center. The project is being carried out in two (2) phases. The project is located in the central northwest part of the City at 1081 North Fair Oaks Avenue.

Phase I was completed in 2010 and involved the construction of the synthetic multi-purpose turf sports field on the southern portion of Robinson Park. This development also included electronic scoreboards, bleachers, a storage building, restrooms, and a concession stand.

Phase II, for which the Section 108 guaranteed loan funds will be used, includes major rehabilitation to the existing recreation and gymnasium building and construction of a new 20,000 square foot state of the art recreation center. The recreational facilities will be used for computer classes, academic enrichment, and sports and recreational classes.

HUD's Section 108 Loan Guarantee Assistance Program enables local governments to borrow money at reduced interest rates to promote economic development, stimulate job growth and improve public facilities. Such public investment is often needed to inspire private contributions, to provide seed money, or to simply boost confidence that private firms and individuals may need to invest in distressed areas.

"HUD's Loan Guarantee Program can be a powerful public investment tool to drive economic development in underserved areas," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "The program will be a boost to the City's revitalization efforts and provide jobs for residents who need them most."

The City of Pasadena will contribute $2 million in city funds to the $6 million in HUD Section 108 Loan Guarantee funds for a project total of $8 million that will rehabilitate an existing public facility and construct a new public facility that will be of benefit to low- and moderate-income persons. The service area for this activity is primarily residential and has a low- and moderate-income population of 64.03 percent.

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