CUOMO ANNOUNCES $4 MILLION IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $4 million in HUD grants for housing and community development programs in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

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

Under Allentown's 1998 Consolidated Plan, which was approved by HUD, the city will receive $3.2 million in Community Development Block Grant funds; $734,000 under the HOME Investment Partnership program; and $123,000 in Emergency Shelter Grant funds for homeless programs.

Among the housing and community development efforts to be funded by the state this year are: acquisition; disposition; public facilities and improvements; demolition; public services; removal of architectural barriers; homeownership assistance; housing rehabilitation; and economic development.

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.