HUD No. 04-065 Brian Sullivan (202) 708-0685 ext. 7527 |
For
Release Thursday July 8, 2004 |
BUSH ADMINISTRATION AWARDS $773,186 TO BOOST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND JOB GROWTH IN RURAL FLORIDA
Funds will help produce affordable housing in Florida
WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson
today announced $773,186 in grants
to help more than one hundred
rural communities in 36 states stimulate local economies, produce
more affordable housing and boost job growth. The funding is provided
through HUD's Rural Housing and Economic Development Program
(see chart below).
In addition, these grants are expected to generate nearly $48
million from other public and private sources to
further promote
economic development and employment.
"This investment in rural America demonstrates that this Administration's commitment to our nation's heartland is strong," said Jackson. "These grants will help rural communities across Florida produce affordable housing and jobs where they're needed most."
Rural Housing and Economic Development grants help pay for land
acquisition, new home construction, housing demolition, infrastructure
improvements and construction training. Other possible uses include
homeownership and financial counseling; financial assistance to
homeowners, businesses and developers; creating micro enterprises
and small business incubators; and, establishing lines of credit
or revolving loan pools to benefit the local business community.
Rural non-profit organizations, federally recognized Native American
tribes, community development corporations
and state agencies will
administer these grants. The funding will help 105 rural communities
to build and improve affordable housing, create jobs and generate
community and economic development.
Rural communities will use this funding as seed money to pay the
start-up costs for housing or economic
development projects. These
grants will also help organizations to hire and train their staffs,
develop strategic
plans and acquire office space and other needed
facilities.
Florida | Everglades Community Association, Inc. |
$400,000 |
Clay County Habitat for Humanity/Middleburg |
$73,186 |
|
Florence Villa Community Development Corporation |
$150,000 |
|
Seminole Tribe of Florida |
$150,000 |
|
Total | $773,186 |
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 as
well as enforces
the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its
programs is available on the Internet
and espanol.hud.gov.
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