CUOMO ANNOUNCES $5.3 MILLION IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR THREE RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITIES

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $5.3 million in HUD assistance for housing and community development programs in three Rhode Island communities.

Cuomo announced aid to these communities:

• Cranston . . . . . . . . . $1.3 million
• East Providence . . . . . . $860,000
• Pawtucket . . . . . . . . . $3.1 million

"These funds will go toward community-based solutions to the housing and economic development challenges faced by these Rhode Island 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:

CRANSTON -- $1.3 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for economic development, housing rehabilitation, public facilities, and public services improvements.

EAST PROVIDENCE-- $860,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for housing rehabilitation; public services and public facilities improvements, as well as economic development.

PAWTUCKET -- $2.5 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for activities such as housing rehabilitation, economic development, public services, and public facilities improvements; $538,000 under the HOME Investment Partnership Program to provide affordable housing for rent and homeownership; and $99,000 in Emergency Shelter Grant funds for homeless assistance.

The community development funds are being made available to these 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.