HUD Archives: News Releases

HUD No. 98-254
Further Information:For Release
In the Washington, DC area: 202/708-068511:45 a.m. PDT Saturday
Or contact your local HUD officeJune 27, 1998

CUOMO ANNOUNCES $13.5 MILLION IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR KERN COUNTY COMMUNITIES

SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $13.5 million in HUD grants for housing and community development programs in Kern 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 Kern 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 Kern County communities is as follows:

  • Kern County -- $9.6 million to fund housing and non-housing community improvements, including $7.18 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds; $2.18 million under the HOME Investment Partnership program; and homeless assistance of $284,000 through the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) program.

  • Bakersfield -- $3.9 million for community and economic development, and infrastructure improvements, including $2.7 million in CDBG funds; $1.1 million under the HOME program; and $108,000 under the ESG program.

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.

 
 
Content Archived: April 9, 2010