CUOMO ANNOUNCES $35.4 MILLION IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR ORANGE COUNTY COMMUNITIES

SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $35.4 million in HUD grants for housing and community development programs in Orange County.

Cuomo announced the funds - part of 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 Orange 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 Orange County communities is as follows:

• Santa Ana - $11.4 million for housing rehabilitation and economic opportunity, including $8.2 million in Community Development Block Grant funds; $1.8 million under the HOME Investment Partnership program, homeless assistance of $321,000 through the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) program, and $1.1 million for Housing Opportunity for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA).

• Anaheim -- $6.2 million to provide employment opportunities for lower income families, including $4.6 million in CDBG funds; $1.5 million under the HOME program; and homeless assistance of $183,000 through the ESG program.

• Garden Grove -- $3.4 million to provide affordable housing and boost economic development, including $2.6 million in CDBG funds; $730,000 under the HOME Investment Partnership program; and homeless assistance of $102,000 through the ESG program.

• Huntington Beach -- $2.3 million to improve homeless services and community programs, including $1.7 million in CDBG funds and $638,000 under the HOME program.

• Fullerton -- $2.2 million for community improvements such as economic development programs for low and moderate income residents, including $1.7 million in CDBG funds and $550,000 under the HOME program.

• Costa Mesa -- $1.9 million for homeless services and neighborhood rehabilitation, including $1.4 million in CDBG funds and $563,000 under the HOME program.

• City of Orange -- $1.8 million for community development such as street improvements, fair housing activities, public facilities and public services, including $1.4 million in CDBG funds and $442,000 under the HOME program.

• Westminster -- $1.7 million for community improvements, such as programs to encourage citizens to attend job training programs, including $1.3 million in CDBG funds and $380,000 under the HOME program.

• Buena Park -- $1 million in CDBG funds for community improvement projects such as residential and commercial rehabilitation, graffiti removal, and public services and facilities.

• Irvine -- $1 million in CDBG funds for community improvements, including construction of rental housing for very low-income and elderly families.

• La Habra -- $714,000 in CDBG funds for community improvements, including affordable housing programs.

• Tustin -- $708,000 in CDBG funds for community improvement programs, including emergency shelter and food programs.

• Fountain Valley -- $433,000 in CDBG funds for community improvement projects, including public facilities enhancements.

• Lake Forest -- $406,000 in CDBG funds to strengthen economic development and housing programs.

• Laguna Niguel -- $306,000 in CDBG funds for housing and community development programs such as child care services, homeless shelter and services, senior housing, senior and disabled transportation and fair housing advocacy and counseling services.

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.