CUOMO ANNOUNCES $5.3 MILLION IN HUD FUNDS FOR SANTA BARBARA COUNTY COMMUNITIES

SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $5.3 million in HUD grants for housing and community development programs in Santa Barbara County.

Cuomo announced the funds - more than $281 million in HUD grants for 55 Southern California cities and counties - during a visit to San Bernardino as a guest of U.S. Representatives George Brown and Jerry Lewis. Congressman Lewis is the chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds these programs.

"These funds will go toward community-based solutions to the housing and economic development challenges Santa Barbara County communities face," Cuomo said. "We are funding a comprehensive strategy to create jobs and affordable housing, help homeless individuals become and remain self-sufficient, and increase homeownership."

Under the 1998 Consolidated Plans for community development funding, which were approved by HUD, assistance received by Santa Barbara County communities is as follows:

• Santa Barbara -- $2.1 million, including $1,422,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds and $691,000 under the HOME Investment Partnership program.

• Santa Barbara County -- $1.3 million in Community Development Block Grant funds.

• Lompoc -- $628,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds.

• Santa Maria -- $1.3 million in Community Development Block Grant funds.

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 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.