CUOMO ANNOUNCES $376,000 IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OREGON

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $376,000 in HUD grants for housing and community development programs in Multnomah County, Oregon.

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

Under Multnomah County's 1998 Consolidated Plan, which was approved by HUD, the county will receive $376,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds.

Among the housing and community development efforts to be funded by the county this year are: drainage improvements in the northwest county; park development in Wood Village; acquisition of two sites for Habitat for Humanity construction; accessibility improvements to housing for the physically handicapped; and public services to support fair housing.

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.