HUD's Recovery Act funds pumped over $176 million into the State of Louisiana to support three themes that align with the broader goals of the Recovery Act: (1) promoting energy efficiency and creating green jobs, (2) unlocking the credit markets and supporting shovel-ready projects, and (3) mitigating the effects of the economic crisis and preventing community decline. HUD's overriding objective in support of these goals is the creation and preservation of jobs.

The Shreveport and New Orleans Field Offices are honoring partners who have completed their American Recovery Act projects ahead of their deadline.

The honorees are as follows:

Natchitoches HA
The City of Natchitoches Housing Authority utilized $875,610 in ARRA funds to perform major renovations in two subdivisions. In East Natchitoches all of the efficiency apartments were converted to larger 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units. In Highland Park subdivision, seven 3-bedroom apartments were totally renovated.

Completed: July 15, 2010.

Gibsland HA
The Town of Gibsland Housing Authority utilized $38,439 in ARRA funds to install shower hardware and ceramic tile walls in four two-bedroom units, replace rain gutters on five buildings, purchase nine new refrigerators, paint the exterior of all the buildings in the development and add five parking places, which also helped alleviate an existing drainage problem.

Completed: August 30, 2010.

Caldwell Parish PHA
Thanks to $215,875.00 in ARRA funds, the Caldwell Parish Housing Authority was able to upgrade the electrical wiring, install central air conditioning, and replace water heaters in 28 units.

Completed: March 11, 2010.

Cotton Valley PHA
Utilizing $34,988 in ARRA funds, the Cotton Valley Housing Authority was able to replace 19 roofs severely damaged by a hail storm.

Completed: March 17, 2010.

East Carroll Parish HA
The East Carroll Housing Authority utilized $77,315 in ARRA funds to put new roofs on 21 buildings housing 40 units of affordable housing in the Underwood Apartments development.

Completed: April 16, 2010.

Homer PHA
With the assistance of $181,271 in ARRA funds, the Homer Housing Authority was able to renovate and put back in use 4 units damaged by fire and replace the roofs on 36 units.

Completed: February 23, 2010.

Logansport Housing Authority
Obligating 100% of their ARRA funds by October 8, 2009, the housing authority utilized $46,682 in ARRA funds to perform the comprehensive renovation of a long-standing vacant and uninhabitable unit.
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Completed: January 2010.

Minden PHA
Using $459,980 in HUD ARRA funds, the Minden Housing Authority completed two projects. In Sheppard Heights, a development primarily for the elderly and disabled, bathrooms in forty-seven units were completely renovated, including tile, sinks, toilets and showers. At nearby Hayes Manor, twelve kitchens were fully renovated including cabinets, sinks, drains and appliances. Minden PHA executive director Reese Hood holds the certificate of recognition signed by HUD Regional Administrator C. Donald Babers.

Completed: March 1, 2010.

Monroe HA
MHA Cottages
With $500,000 in ARRA funds, leveraged by $225,000 in Capital Funds, the Monroe Housing Authority performed comprehensive renovations on five community housing residences in MHA Cottages, a supportive development for the mentally and physically challenged. The renovations included new kitchens in each residence.

Completed: April 2010.

Monroe HA
Miller Square
ARRA funds totaling $1,940,450 made possible the renovation of 72 units in the family friendly Miller Square development operated by the Monroe Housing Authority.

Completed: April 2010.

Monroe HA
Robinson Place/Standifer Village
Using $878,000 ARRA Funding, the Monroe Housing Authority conducted major interior renovations on 36 public housing family units.

Completed: April 2010.

Oil City HA
The Oil City Housing Authority utilized $137,147 in ARRA funds to install energy efficient windows in 72 units. Executive Director Tammy Koehler noted that a significant reduction in utility usage had already been realized.

Completed: February 14, 2010.

Olla HA
With $92,370 in ARRA funds the Olla Housing Authority was able to re-roof 22 buildings with architectural shingles. The funds made possible greatly needed repairs to 45 dwelling units of affordable housing in Olla, LA.

Completed: February 6, 2010.

Vivian PHA
With the help of $141,138 in ARRA funds, the Vivian Housing Authority installed energy efficient windows with screens and new door locks on 56 units. Security cameras were also installed and trip hazards on sidewalks and driveways repaired to ensure resident safety. Bobby Abraham, executive director of the Vivian Housing Authority notes the project improvements won the housing authority a beautification award from the City of Vivian.

Completed: March 17, 2010

Youngsville
The Housing Authority of the Town of Youngsville used its $33,371 in ARRA funds to install energy efficient windows throughout the development in all 20 units. Also, the housing authority beautified the development with site improvements, i.e., trees and flowers.

Completed: February 2010.