CUOMO ANNOUNCES $8.5 MILLION FOR 5 SAN DIEGO COUNTY COMMUNITIES

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $8.5 million in HUD assistance for housing and community development programs for 5 San Diego County communities.

Cuomo announced aid to these communities: Chula Vista -- $2.8 million; National City -- $1.98 million; Encinitas -- $582,000; Carlsbad -- $606,000; Oceanside -- $ 2.5 million.

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

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

CHULA VISTA - $2 million in Community Development Block Grant funds and $786,000 under the HOME Investment Partnerships program.

NATIONAL CITY - $1.4 million in Community Development Block Grant funds and $587,000 under the HOME Investment Partnerships program.

ENCINITAS - $582,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds.

CARLSBAD - $606,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds.

OCEANSIDE - $1.86 million in Community Development Block Grant funds and $653,000 in HOME Investment Partnerships program.

The community development funds are being made available to communities in San Diego County under HUD's 1998 Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Planning process was developed by Cuomo when he served as HUD Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development. The process ensures that local residents have strong input into the creation of comprehensive, community-based housing and economic development plans.

The streamlined funding 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 to help them achieve their housing and economic development goals.