CUOMO ANNOUNCES $2.3 MILLION IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR GALVESTON, TEXAS

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $2.3 million in HUD grants for housing and community development programs in Galveston, Texas.

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

Under Galveston's 1998 Consolidated Plan, which was approved by HUD, Galveston will receive $1.8 million in Community Development Block Grant funds and $563,000 under the HOME Investment Partnership program.

HUD Acting Deputy Secretary Saul Ramirez presented the funds to Congressman Nick Lampson and Galveston Mayor Roger Quiroga in a telephone conference call today.

Among the housing and community development efforts to be funded by the City this year are: housing rehabilitation; public services; public facilities and improvements; code enforcement; economic development, planning; and program administration.

Congressman Lampson said: "These funds will help folks in our area achieve the American dream of owning their own home. The economic development of Galveston is essential to its continued growth and progress."

Mayor Quiroga said: "The timing for these funds could not be more appropriate. Galveston is poised, now more than ever, to target the Old Central/Carver Park and San Jacinto neighborhoods for redevelopment. The community will benefit greatly from these funds and we thank Secretary Cuomo and HUD officials for their foresight and assistance in seeking solutions to our many challenges."

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.