HUD AWARDS THE CITY OF ROME $1 MILLION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

NEW YORK - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson today announced that the City of Rome
will receive $1,179,635 to promote a variety of community development and affordable housing programs.

"This funding will help build better communities from the ground up," said Jackson. "Whether it's assisting
communities to improve their infrastructure or helping first-time homebuyers to realize their 'American Dream,' HUD
is helping neighborhoods become better places to live and work."

Since 1974, HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program has awarded approximately $120 billion to state and local governments to target their own community development priorities. CDBG is one of HUD's oldest and most flexible and popular programs. The rehabilitation of affordable housing and construction of public facilities and improvements have traditionally been the largest uses of the grants, although CDBG is also an important catalyst
for job growth and business opportunities. 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.

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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 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.