CUOMO ANNOUNCES $28.1 MILLION IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $28.1 million in HUD grants for housing and community development programs in San Diego, California.

"These funds will go toward community-based solutions to the housing and economic development challenges San Diego faces," 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."

Under San Diego's 1998 Consolidated Plan, which was approved by HUD, San Diego will receive $18.1 million in Community Development Block Grant funds; $7.2 million under the HOME Investment Partnership program; $714,000 in Emergency Shelter Grant funds for homeless programs; and $2.1 million under the HOPWA program (Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS).

Among the housing and community development efforts to be funded by the city this year are: infrastructure improvement programs including street and drainage projects; public facilities programs including public park and community center projects; housing rehabilitation programs; economic development projects; new housing construction; and homeless prevention programs.

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.