CUOMO ANNOUNCES $2.2 MILLION IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $2.2 million in HUD grants for housing and community development programs in Port Arthur, Texas.

"These funds will go toward community-based solutions to the housing and economic development challenges Port Arthur faces," Cuomo said. "We are funding a comprehensive strategy to create jobs and affordable housing, and help homeless individuals become self-sufficient."

Under Port Arthur's 1998 Consolidated Plan, which was approved by HUD, Port Arthur will receive $1.8 million in Community Development Block Grant funds and $471,000 under the HOME Investment Partnership program.

HUD Acting Deputy Secretary Saul Ramirez presented the funds to Congressman Nick Lampson and Port Arthur Mayor Oscar Ortiz in a telephone conference call.

Among the housing and community development efforts to be funded by the City this year are: public services; public facilities and improvements; construction of new housing and housing rehabilitation; clearance and demolition; economic development; direct homeowner assistance, and program administration.

Congressman Lampson said: "I am committed to improving the lives of every day Texans. The economic development of Port Arthur is essential to its continued growth and progress. I am working every day to ensure that safe, affordable housing will be available for the people of our area."

Mayor Ortiz said: "The Consolidated Planning process developed by Secretary Cuomo has enabled the City Council to receive strong citizen input on community needs and these funds give the City Council the ability to address community needs in a comprehensive and timely manner. These funds are used for construction of new housing, housing rehabilitation, clearance and demolition, health services, small business start-ups and a host of other services critical to our citizens."

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.