CUOMO ANNOUNCES $11.8 MILLION IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR 5 WEST VIRGINIA COMMUNITIES

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $11.8 million in HUD assistance for housing and community development programs in 5 West Virginia communities.

Cuomo announced aid to these communities:

• Parkersburg . . . . . . . . . . $1.7 million.
• Weirton . . . . . . . . . . . . $587,000.
• Wheeling . . . . . . . . . . . $2.4 million.
• Charleston . . . . . . . . . . $3.4 million.
• Huntington . . . . . . . . . . $3.7 million.

"These funds will go toward community-based solutions to the housing and economic development challenges faced by these West Virginia communities," Cuomo said. "We are funding a comprehensive strategy to create jobs and affordable housing, and help homeless people become self-sufficient." Father Joseph Hacala, S.J., Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Community and Interfaith Outreach, presented the grants on behalf of Secretary Cuomo.

Senator Robert Byrd said: "West Virginia's communities are actively working to ensure the well-being of their people. These grants will help many of our communities to improve housing and job opportunities for their residents and enhance their quality of life and economic stability for years to come."

Congressman Alan Mollohan said: "The CDBG and other HUD grant programs are powerful because they enable local officials to focus additional resources on some of our communities' greatest needs and opportunities. I look forward to the benefits that these latest rounds of funding will bring to our cities."

Here is a summary of HUD funding for each of the communities:

Parkersburg - $1.3 million in Community Development Block Grant funds and $395,000 under the HOME Investment Partnership program for programs including housing rehabilitation, public improvements, economic development and homeowner assistance.

Weirton - $587,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for housing rehabilitation, public improvements and public services.

Wheeling - $1.9 million in Community Development Block Grant funds; $558,000 under the HOME Investment Partnership program to aid in the development of expanding economic opportunities through loan programs and housing rehabilitation.

Charleston - $2.4 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for neighborhood revitalization; $852,000 under the HOME Investment Partnership Program to foster better living conditions for all citizens; and $96,000 in Emergency Shelter funds for homeless programs.

Huntington - $2.6 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for infrastructure improvements and housing rehabilitation; $944,000 under the HOME Investment Partnership Program; and $107,000 in Emergency Shelter funds for homeless programs.