CUOMO ANNOUNCES $425,000 IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR BURLINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $425,000 in HUD grants for housing and community development programs in Burlington, NC.

"These funds will go toward community-based solutions to the housing and economic development challenges Burlington faces," Cuomo said. "We are funding a comprehensive strategy to spark economic development and create jobs, increase the supply of affordable housing and increase homeownership."

Under Burlington's 1998 Consolidated Plan for funding, which was approved by HUD, Burlington will receive $425,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds.

Among the housing and community development efforts to be funded by the City this year are: Assistance to disadvantaged youth; housing rehabilitation; construction of a senior center; and a partnership with other agencies to provide a center for people with disabilities.

The Consolidated Planning process, developed by Secretary 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 funding 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.