CUOMO ANNOUNCES $11.2 MILLION IN HUD FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN NORTH DAKOTA INCLUDING $844,000 FOR FARGO AND $451,000 FOR BISMARCK

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $11.2 million in HUD grants for housing and community development programs in North Dakota including $9.9 million to the State of North Dakota, $844,000 for Fargo and $451,000 for Bismarck.

"These funds will go toward community-based solutions to the housing and economic development challenges facing North Dakota," Cuomo said. "We are funding a comprehensive strategy to create jobs and affordable housing, help homeless people become self-sufficient, and increase homeownership."

Under HUD's 1998 Consolidated Plan, the State of North Dakota will receive $6.1 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds; $3.5 million under the HOME Investment Partnership program; and $314,000 in Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) funds for homeless programs. The City of Fargo will receive $844,000 in CDBG funds and the City of Bismarck will receive $451,000 in CDBG funds.

Among the housing and community development efforts to be funded by the State of North Dakota this year are assessment of housing and homeless needs; an analysis of the state's housing markets; and distribution of funds to Regional Councils throughout the State to make specific project funding decisions.

The City of Fargo will use its CDBG funds for housing rehabilitation, special needs housing, improvements to lower income neighborhoods, and central business district improvements. CDBG funds in the City of Bismarck will be used among other things, for activities associated with the senior center and flood plain improvements.

The Consolidated Planning process, developed by Cuomo when he served as HUD Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, ensures that local residents have strong input into the creation of comprehensive, community-based housing and economic development plans. The streamlined process gives communities maximum local flexibility, while reducing burdensome regulatory requirements. Local HUD staff are empowered to work closely with communities to customize Consolidated Plans and help them realize their housing and economic development goals.