CUOMO ANNOUNCES $14.4 MILLION IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $14.4 million in HUD grants for housing and community development programs in Harris County, Texas.

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

Under Harris County's 1998 Consolidated Plan, which was approved by HUD, Harris County will receive $11.3 million in Community Development Block Grant funds, $2.6 million under the HOME Investment Partnership program, and $443,000 in Emergency Shelter Grants for homeless programs.

HUD Deputy Secretary Saul Ramirez presented the funds to Congressman Ken Bentsen and Harris County Commissioner El Franco Lee in a telephone conference call.

Among the housing and community development efforts to be funded by the county this year are homeless programs, public facilities improvements, public services, housing rehabilitation, homeownership assistance, clearance and demolition, new construction, and economic development.

Congressman Bentsen said, "I am pleased that the federal government will remain a strong partner with Harris County in meeting housing and community development needs. These funds will help to provide safe, affordable housing and create economic opportunities for Harris County families."

County Commissioner El Franco Lee said, "HUD's ideas are in line with the Court's vision of encouraging healthy, successful, and competitive communities. Together, we can stimulate and encourage the public and private sectors to help solve community problems and address the issues of infrastructure, housing, economic, and human development."

Congressman Gene Green said, "This funding will enable many facilities in my district, such as Galena Park Community Building, to implement and expand projects that benefit educational, health, and social services to families and children. Research shows that these programs not only stimulate the learning environment of our children, but they also expand opportunities for our residents."

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.