Custom Search

5.18.2009

HUD Secretary Announces Nearly $1 Billion To Improve Public Housing

Visit to Pennsylvania highlights grants that will help the elderly, boost energy efficiency and create jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Donovan today announced that HUD is offering nearly $1 billion to make substantial improvements to thousands of public housing units nationwide. The Public Housing Capital Funds being offered are provided through
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) and are designed to help public housing authorities improve the quality of their housing stock, promote energy efficiency and create jobs.

The announcement came during a visit to Marshall Lee Towers in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, which is home to 91 elderly and disabled residents. Marshall Lee Towers is one of seven residential properties managed by the Montgomery County Housing Authority (MCHA), which has already received $1,141,093 in HUD Recovery Act Capital Fund dollars. Projects planned for Marshall Lee Towers with these funds include upgrades to facilities that will create a significant reduction in water and energy use. The Secretary highlighted MCHA as an example of how Recovery Act dollars are being used, not only to create jobs and jump start the nation’s economy, but also to reduce energy costs among public housing facilities. Montgomery County Housing Authority houses 1100 residents in 615 homes throughout the County.

“I am pleased to be at Marshall Lee Towers in Pennsylvania today to announce another substantial investment we are making to improve public housing in America, create jobs and grow local economies,” said Secretary Donovan. “The funding in the Recovery Act, signed by President Obama, will give local housing agencies the resources they need to provide quality housing, especially for the elderly and persons living with disabilities. These funds will also help to transform distressed public housing projects, improve energy efficiency and lower the operating costs for housing authorities.”

In March, HUD allocated nearly $3 billion in Recovery Act funding to more than 3,100 public housing authorities across the U.S. Distributed by formula, that funding is already being put to work to improve public housing and create safer, more livable environments for lower income residents. The additional $1 billion announced today will be awarded competitively.

More HERE