HUD AWARDS $280,000 TO THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO TO CONDUCT EAGLE FORD SHALE REGION HOUSING STUDY

SAN ANTONIO - Today the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $284,853 to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) under HUD's University Partnership Cooperative Agreement program. The funds will be used to conduct a housing study of the Eagle Ford Shale region of Texas, a 50 mile wide and 400 mile long area running northeast across the state. The Eagle Ford Shale is one of the most active energy industry areas in Texas.

UTSA's study will focus on the impact of oil and gas exploration on the affordability and physical adequacy of housing in Dimmit, La Salle and Zavala counties, the three Eagle Ford Shale counties closest to Mexico. The study will examine how federal, county and local policies affect the availability of rental housing, affordable housing stock and housing options for vulnerable populations. For more information on the study please contact Dr. Harriet Romo, Director of UTSA's Mexico Center, at (210) 458-2849.

"UTSA is ideally situated and qualified to conduct a study of this scope," said Tammye H. Treviño, HUD Regional Administrator. "Their study will provide insight into the unique housing dynamic that a strong energy industry brings to Texas, helping us to more fully understand the area's housing needs."

The grant program is administered by HUD's Office of University Partnerships (www.huduser.org/portal/oup/home.html) (OUP). OUP was established in 1994 in an effort to encourage and expand the growing number of partnerships formed between colleges and universities and their communities. OUP recognizes the crucial role these collaborations and partnerships play in addressing local problems and revitalizing our nation's communities. Additionally, colleges and universities are making future generations aware of these issues by integrating partnership activities into their academic studies and student activities.

OUP strives to support and increase these collaborative efforts through grants, interactive conferences and research by funding opportunities to universities to implement community activities, revitalize neighborhoods, address economic development and housing issues and encourage partnerships.

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HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and http://espanol.hud.gov.

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