CUOMO ANNOUNCES $4 MILLION IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $4 million in HUD grants for housing and community development programs for Columbus, Georgia.

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

Under Columbus' 1998 Consolidated Plan, which was approved by HUD, Columbus will receive $2.7 million in Community Development Block Grant funds; $1.2 million under the HOME Investment Partnership program; and $109,000 in Emergency Shelter Grant funds for homeless programs.

Among the housing and community development efforts to be funded by the city this year are: neighborhood redevelopment; code enforcement; small business loan programs; residential rehabilitation; homelessness prevention; and economic development.

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.