CUOMO ANNOUNCES $13 MILLION IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR 10 MICHIGAN COMMUNITIES

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $13 million in HUD assistance for housing and community development programs in 10 Michigan communities.

Cuomo announced aid to:

• Bay City……………$2.2 million
• Dearborn…………..$2.6 million
• Dearborn Heights…$1.1 million
• Jackson…………….$2.3 million
• Lincoln Park………$931,000
• Livonia….…………$521,000
• Midland……………$332,000
• Roseville……………$542,000
• St. Clair Shores……$1 million
• Westland………….. $1.5

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

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

BAY CITY -- $1.8 million in Community Development Block Grants funds for programs including housing rehabilitation, and public services for low and moderate income families such as installing smoke detectors, after-school recreation and tutoring programs, a crime awareness program, and child care assistance. Additionally, $368,000 under the HOME Investment Partnership Program to assist low and moderate income homeowners with rehabilitating their homes; provide development assistance to Habitat for Humanity; and public services such as sidewalk and street repairs, and park improvements.

DEARBORN -- $2.5 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for housing rehabilitation, public facilities improvements such as funding for the Esper Library addition and reconstruction of a water main. Also, $104,000 under the HOME Investment Partnership program to help the homeless by providing shelter, food, clothing and counseling services.

DEARBORN HEIGHTS -- $1.1 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for housing rehabilitation; public services such as providing shelter to the homeless, and crime prevention and youth drug abuse education programs; also, public facilities improvements for parks, a senior center, a recreation center, and installation curb cuts and slopes for better access by people with disabilities.

JACKSON -- $1.83 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for economic development by providing funds for the One Stop Development Center; street repair and other public improvements; housing rehabilitation; and public services such as youth programs, meals for homebound elderly residents, and homeownership training. Also, $433,000 under the HOME Investment Partnership Program to help new homeowners by providing down payment assistance; rehabilitate existing housing, and purchase and rehabilitate three houses.

LINCOLN PARK -- $931,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for housing rehabilitation, public services, and affordable housing.

LIVONIA -- $521,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to provide for home repairs; senior citizen transportation and urgent care needs; clinical services to substance abusers and assault victims; and food distribution to very low income residents.

MIDLAND -- $332,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for programs including housing rehabilitation, public improvements, affordable housing and public housing.

ROSEVILLE -- $542,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for the preservation and revitalization of existing neighborhoods as well as to facilitate the construction of three single family homes in cooperation with local organizations for low and moderate income families.

ST. CLAIR SHORES -- $1 million in Community Development Block Grant funds will aid in the development of expanding economic opportunities, staff a senior center, make street improvements and modernize public housing.

WESTLAND -- $1.1 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for housing rehabilitation and public improvements; and $379,000 under the HOME Investment Partnership Program to rehabilitate both single-family and rental housing activities.

The community development funds are being made available to Michigan communities under HUD's 1998 Consolidated Plan. 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.