HUD GIVES $2.5 BILLION IN GRANTS TO HOUSING AUTHORITIES ACROSS NATION FOR MAJOR REPAIRS TO PUBLIC HOUSING
Funding Helps Improve Conditions for Public Housing Residents

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will give the nation's 3,107 public housing authorities a total of $2.5 billion in funding to make major improvements to existing public housing units or to build or acquire new units for public housing, HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson announced today.

"This funding is about the residents," said Jackson. "It is given to housing authorities to upgrade their developments to ensure their public housing are safe and decent for their residents."

The funding, from HUD's Capital Fund program, is distributed annually to local public housing authorities (PHA) to fund major capital improvements such as updating old plumbing or electrical systems, replacing roofs, installing new windows or any major modernization activities or to construct or acquire new units.

In addition to capital improvement funds, HUD also gives PHAs annual funds to cover day-to-day operating and maintenance expenses of public housing developments. It enables PHAs to keep rents affordable for lower-income families and cover a variety of expenses including maintenance, utilities, and tenant and protective services. PHAs receive this funding at the beginning of their fiscal year. For 2004, HUD will distribute $3.5 billion to housing authorities from HUD's Operating Subsidy Program.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.