HUD AWARDS THE CITY OF MOSS POINT $181,013 IN GRANTS TO IMPROVE HOUSING AND SPUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

JACKSON - The Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the city of Moss Point $181,013 in grants today. The city of Moss Point will use the funding to improve or create housing or economic development opportunities in Moss Point for low- to moderate-income families.

"This funding helps communities like this one improve living conditions for families who need help in the community," said HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson, who announced the grants today. "HUD wants to see these communities
thrive for future generations."

The funding is from HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. CDBG is one of HUD's oldest and most flexible and popular programs. CDBG funds are distributed by formula around the country based on a
community's population, poverty, the age of its housing stock, and extent of overcrowded housing.

Recipients use the funding to develop viable communities, including rehabilitating housing or building new housing or
to buy land to support new housing construction. The funding can also used to build infrastructure - roads, water
and sewer facilities to create suitable living environments. To spur economic development, recipients use the grants to establish a wide variety of commercial, industrial and agricultural projects. Recipients have used the funding to build community and health centers, or start businesses to support the community, such as shopping centers, manufacturing plants, restaurants, or convenient stores/gas stations.

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.

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