CUOMO ANNOUNCES $35.5 MILLION IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR THE STATE OF ARKANSAS

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $35.5 million in HUD grants for housing and community development programs for the State of Arkansas.

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

Under the State of Arkansas' 1998 Consolidated Plan, which was approved by HUD, the state will receive $23.4 million in Community Development Block Grant funds; $10.5 million under the HOME Investment Partnership program; $1.1 million in Emergency Shelter Grant funds for homeless programs; and $506,000 in funding under the Housing Opportunity for Persons with AIDS program.

Among the housing and community development efforts to be funded by the state this year are: rehabilitation services; homeless prevention; shelter operations; water and sewer improvements; child care centers; public health care facilities; flood and drainage improvements; public service needs; new construction; tenant-based rental assistance; and a low-income homebuyer assistance program.

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.