Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2012

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES CITY OF UTICA SET TO RECEIVE NEARLY $3 MILLION FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Federal Funds Will Promote Community Development and Provide Affordable Housing for Families

Important Funding Helps Sustain Quality Of Life In Utica Neighborhoods

Schumer: HUD Investment Will Ensure The City Of Utica Can Maintain Various Programs And Projects

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the City of Utica is set to receive a $2,184,493 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development investment through Community Development Block Grant funding, and a $228,103 Emergency Shelter Grant and a $504,851 HOME grant for affordable housing. Funds will be used to support affordable housing, emergency shelters and community development measures.

“Every New Yorker deserves a decent, clean and affordable place to live,” Schumer said. “With housing costs on the rise, this program is essential to help hardworking families and seniors across Utica keep a roof over their heads. These grants will also improve Utica’s infrastructure and public facilities to attract job-creating businesses and ensure the availability of affordable housing. I will continue to work to increase funding for housing opportunities across the City.”

“Senator Schumer knows just how important Utica’s HUD funding is to various projects and programs across the City,” said Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri. “His efforts to go to bat for Utica’s share of these dollars reinforces our continued commitment to providing HUD with the information it needs to keep these dollars committed to our community.”

The CDBG program works to ensure decent affordable housing, to provide services to the most vulnerable in our communities, and to create jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses. CDBG is an important tool for helping local governments tackle serious challenges facing their communities. The CDBG program has made a difference in the lives of millions of people and their communities across the Nation.

Emergency Shelter funds may be used for renovation of emergency shelter facilities and the operation of those facilities, as well as services for the residents including case management, child care, education, employment assistance and job training, legal, mental health, substance abuse treatment, transportation, and services for special populations.

HOME grants are awarded each year to participating jurisdictions based on an allocation formula. States are automatically eligible for HOME funds. However, local jurisdictions must meet a minimum allocation threshold in order to be a participating jurisdiction. There are over 500 participating jurisdictions. Localities which do not receive a direct HOME allocation from HUD, may receive HOME funds through the State's HOME program.

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