CUOMO ANNOUNCES $6.1 MILLION IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $6.1 million in HUD grants for housing and community development programs in Salt Lake City, Utah, in a telephone news conference with Mayor Deedee Corradini. .

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

Under Salt Lake City's 1998 Consolidated Plan, which was approved by HUD, Salt Lake City will receive $4.8 million in Community Development Block Grant funds; $1.1 million under the HOME Investment Partnership program; and $191,000 in Emergency Shelter Grant funds for homeless programs.

Among the housing and community development efforts to be funded by the City this year are: financing for activities such as neighborhood improvement projects; youth recreation programs; park accessibility improvements; housing rehabilitation; first-time homebuyer assistance; public transportation enhancements; and cultural activities.

Mayor Corradini said: "We are thrilled with this new funding for our efforts to build affordable housing and to create a more livable community for 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.