The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today awarded $1.5 million in grants enable three historically black colleges and universities (HCBUs) to form partnerships with their surrounding communities to promote community development.

HBCUs receiving grants are: Coppin State College, Baltimore, MD; Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA; and Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA.

Each HBCU will receive up to $500,000 which will enhance partnerships with local governments to spur economic development and neighborhood renewal.

"The long term future of cities and urban universities in this country are so intertwined that one cannot survive without the other," said HUD Secretary Henry G. Cisneros. "The institutions receiving grants today have demonstrated, by the projects they have planned, their understanding of this challenge."

HUD Deputy Secretary Dwight Robinson, who announced the grant recipients today said: "With the help of these grants, colleges and universities can reach out to their communities. They can make available their resources and expertise. They can form the partnerships needed to help create economic opportuni- ties and more liveable neighborhoods."

Coppin State College will continue its collaboration with the City of Baltimore in executing its plan for the Coppin Heights neighborhood to develop a Retirement and Intergenera- tional Family Life Center. This project also enjoys the involvement of the Enterprise Foundation, the State of Maryland, and local banks.

Norfolk State University together with the City of Norfolk will renovate a neighborhood facility called the Brambleton Outreach Center, to increase services to small business enterprises. The facility will also be adapted to serve senior citizens and youth populations.

Fort Valley State University and the City of Fort Valley will jointly develop a Community Service Center that will provide increased services to its citizens. A business incubator, space for self-help workshops, and anti-drug and crime prevention programs will be established at the center.

Additional information about HBCU grants and programs can be obtained by contacting HUD's Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Grant Programs, Community Planning and Development at (202) 708-1590.