CUOMO ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR NEWBURGH, NEW YORK

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $1 million in HUD grants for housing and community development programs in Newburgh, New York.

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

Under Newburgh's 1998 Consolidated Plan for funding, which was approved by HUD, the City of Newburgh will receive $1 million in Community Development Block Grant funds.

Among the housing and community development efforts to be funded by the city this year are: housing rehabilitation; public facilities, public services and infrastructure improvements; and parks and recreation improvements.

The Consolidated Planning process, developed by Secretary 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 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 help them realize their housing and economic development goals.