Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 13, 2005

Schumer Announces Over $900,000 For Western New York In HUD Grants

Grants Awarded as Part of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the EDI Special Project Grant Grants Will Improve Housing Options for Families in Dunkirk and Improve Facilities at Canisius High School in Buffalo

US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $919,648 in federal funds to Western New York. The City of Dunkirk in Chautauqua County will receive $651,403 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Canisius High School in Buffalo will receive $268,245 from the EDI Special Project Grant.

"One of the biggest problems facing New Yorkers is the rapidly escalating cost of housing, putting a home out of reach for many hardworking families," said Schumer. "I believe initiatives like the CDBG program provide critical resources that help to make homeownership a reality for many deserving families."

The CDBG program provides annual grants to states and local governments to develop viable urban communities by providing 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), expresses the sense of the Senate that CDBG should be fully funded and remain with the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs.

“This is a great day for the students, parents, and faculty of Canisius High School,” said Schumer “The education of our children is of critical importance to the development of our community, and improving our school facilities is one necessary step in achieving that goal.”

The EDI Special Project Grant will be used for facility renovations at Canisius High School in Buffalo. The HUD grant is part of the plan to meet local needs by improving the educational facilities of the Canisius High School.

Housing and community revitalization are at the heart of HUD’s mission, and these grants support these goals. They hope 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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