CUOMO ANNOUNCES $24.3 MILLION IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR THE STATE OF NEVADA AND 5 NEVADA COMMUNITIES

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $24.3 million in HUD assistance for housing and community development programs for the State of Nevada and 5 Nevada communities.

Cuomo announced aid to:

• Clark County . . . . . . . . . . $9.3 million
• State of Nevada . . . . . . . . .$6 million
• Las Vegas . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.7 million
• Reno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3 million
• Henderson . . . . . . . . . . . . $807,000
• Sparks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $554,000

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

CLARK COUNTY -- $5.7 million in Community Development Block Grants funds for programs including public improvements and facilities; public services; handicap access; housing rehabilitation and economic development. Additionally, $3.4 million under the HOME Investment Partnership Program to expand the supply of decent affordable housing; and $176,000 under the Emergency Shelter Grant Program for emergency shelters; essential services for the homeless; and homeless prevention activities.

STATE OF NEVADA -- $2.8 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for housing rehabilitation and public facilities improvements. Also, $3 million under the HOME Investment Partnership program to help implement local housing strategies designed to increase homeownership and affordable housing opportunities; and $280,000 in Emergency Shelter Grant funds to provide assistance for rehabilitation or conversion of buildings for use as emergency shelters for the homeless.

LAS VEGAS -- $3.9 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for housing rehabilitation; public services; public facilities; infill housing construction and economic development. In addition, $598,000 for the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) to develop long-term comprehensive housing strategies and supportive services for persons with HIV/AIDS; and $152,000 in Emergency Shelter Grant Program funds to be used for emergency shelters; shelter operating costs; and homeless prevention activities.

RENO -- $1.9 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for economic development by providing funds for decent housing and suitable living environments and expanding economic opportunities. Also, $1.1 million in HOME funds to provide local housing strategies designed to increase homeownership and affordable housing opportunities.

HENDERSON -- $807,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for numerous initiatives to assist homeowners and renters, additional supportive services for the elderly and disabled; and the marketing of public and private industrial sites for economic development.

SPARKS -- $554,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to provide decent housing and suitable living environments and expanding economic opportunities.

The community development funds are being made available to Nevada 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.