CUOMO ANNOUNCES $58.9 MILLION IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR 7 INDIANA COMMUNITIES AND THE STATE

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $58.9 million in HUD assistance for housing and community development programs in 7 Indiana communities and the state, in a meeting today with Congressman Tim Roemer.

Cuomo announced aid to these communities:

• Elkhart. . . . . . . . . . . .$1.4 million.
• Goshen. . . . . . . . . . . .$325,000.
• State of Indiana. . . . . . .$49.4 million.
• East Chicago. . . . . . . . .$2.3 million.
• Kokomo. . . . . . . . . . . $1.2 million.
• Lafayette. . . . . . . . . . $1.5 million.
• West Lafayette. . . . . . . .$502,000.
• Muncie. . . . . . . . . . . .$2.3 million.

"These funds will go toward community-based solutions to the housing and economic development challenges faced by these Indiana communities and the state" Cuomo said. "We are funding a comprehensive strategy to create jobs and affordable housing, and help homeless people become self-sufficient, provide housing assistance to people with AIDS, and increase homeownership."

Here is a summary of HUD funding for each of the communities:

ELKHART - $919,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds and $500,000 under the HOME Investment Partnership program for programs including housing rehabilitation, public improvements, economic development and homeowner assistance.

GOSHEN - $325,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for housing rehabilitation and public improvements.

STATE OF INDIANA - $34.4 million in Community Development Block Grant funds; $12.6 million under the HOME Investment Partnership program; $577,000 in Emergency Shelter Grant funds for homeless assistance; and $1.9 million in funding under the Housing Opportunity for Persons with AIDS program. These funds will aid in the development of expanding economic opportunities; providing a suitable living environment for low- and moderate- income persons; and creating an environment conducive to new business location or existing business expansion.

EAST CHICAGO - $1.8 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for neighborhood revitalization; and $500,000 under the HOME Investment Partnership Program to foster better living conditions for all citizens.

KOKOMO - $1.2 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for infrastructure improvements; housing rehabilitation; demolition of unsafe structures; and a community policing program.

LAFAYETTE - $934,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for the preservation and revitalization of existing neighborhoods; and $612,000 under the HOME Investment Partnership program to expand housing and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income households.

WEST LAFAYETTE - $502,000 in Community Development Block Grants funds for programs including housing rehabilitation, public facility improvements, and public services.

MUNCIE - $1.7 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for production and stabilization of affordable housing; improving infrastructure; and public service activities; and $566,000 under the HOME Investment Partnership program to aid in the elimination of slums and blight.

The community development funds are being made available to Indiana communities under HUD's 1998 Consolidated Plan. 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.