CUOMO ANNOUNCES $4.1 MILLION IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR UTAH VALLEY CONSORTIUM, UTAH

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $4.1 million in HUD grants for housing and community development programs for the Utah Valley Consortium including both Orem and Provo, Utah.

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

Under the Utah Valley Consortium's 1998 Consolidated Plan, which was approved by HUD, the City of Provo will receive $2 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds; the City of Orem will receive $749,000 in CDBG funds; and the Consortium's allocation under the HOME Investment Partnership program is $1.4 million.

Among the housing and community development efforts to be funded by the state this year are: housing construction; rehabilitation; first time homebuyer assistance; commercial rehabilitation; and public services and infrastructure improvements.

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.