CUOMO ANNOUNCES $39.5 MILLION IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR CLEVELAND

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $39.5 million in HUD grants for housing and community development programs in Cleveland, in a telephone news conference with Congressman Louis Stokes and Cleveland Mayor Michael White.

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

Under Cleveland's 1998 Consolidated Plan, which was approved by HUD, Cleveland will receive $30.3 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds; $7.4 million under the HOME Investment Partnership program; $1.2 million in Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) funds for homeless programs; and $618,000 in funding under the Housing Opportunity for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program.

Among the housing and community development efforts to be funded by the City this year are: public improvements, public services, housing, and economic development under the CDBG program. The city's HOME funds include rental housing rehabilitation and rehabilitation of single family housing. ESG funds assist with operational funding and services to homeless shelters. The city's HOPWA funds include housing and services for persons with AIDS.

Congressman Louis Stokes said: "I am pleased that the City of Cleveland will receive this significant level of funding. The funding will support our efforts to provide job training programs, economic development initiatives, housing renovation and services, and increased homeownership opportunities, just to name a few. This grant is another example of our strong commitment and combined efforts that we feel will result in Cleveland becoming a model city."

Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich said: "The community development funds announced today form the backbone of Cleveland's efforts to revitalize distressed neighborhoods and expand affordable housing. The federal funds will help to provide shelter for homeless persons and services for families struck by the AIDS epidemic. I welcome this essential allocation of federal money to help meet the housing and job creation needs of the Cleveland area."

Cleveland Mayor White said: "HUD's assistance through this funding award will help us continue to prove that neighborhood transformation is a realistic and obtainable goal. Through our Department of Community Development, we have targeted the award of such funds to provide affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization by partnering with local development corporations. Through the cooperation of our federal government and commitment of Cleveland's residents and neighborhood organizations, our inner city areas are turning into thriving communities. We are increasing homeownership, leveraging greater investment and attracting new job-creating businesses."

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.