Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 23, 2005

Schumer Announces Over $1.6 Million for Finger Lakes Region in Housing Money

Federal Funds Awarded as Part of the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced $1,606,840 in federal funds was awarded to towns in the Finger Lakes Region by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The federal dollars come from the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) including $492,654 for Greece and $1,114,186 for Irondequoit.

“Every hardworking family and community member in New York has the right to affordable housing,” said Schumer. “With housing costs on the rise, too many people find expenses of owning a home beyond their means. These programs not only work to rejuvenate communities, but also they give deserving New Yorkers the chance to be first time homeowners.”

The CDBG program provides annual grants to States and local governments to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low-and moderate- income persons. This year, Senator Schumer supported the amendment to the budget which restored funding to the CDBG program. The amendment, introduced by Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN), expressed the sense of the Senate that CDBG should be fully funded and remain with the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Housing and community revitalization are at the heart of HUD’s mission, and these grants are part of the Department’s plan to meet local needs and expand opportunities for Americans throughout the nation. HUD aims to create more affordable housing and empower large and small communities across the country so that every citizen can live the American Dream.

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