FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 14, 2004

Schumer: City Of Rome To Get Over $1.4 Million In Federal Funds For Lower And Middle Class Housing

Schumer: HUD's Community Development Block Grant will help local government provide decent housing and suitable living conditions for low and moderate-income persons

Schumer is a member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee

US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the city of Rome will receive over $1.4 million in federal funds to provide decent housing for low and moderate income people. Schumer, a member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, said that the money from HUD's Community Development Block Grant program will be used to expand economic opportunities for people in Rome.

"You don’t need to be an expert in housing to know that over $1.4 million will help provide and improve housing for a lot of people in the Rome area,” Schumer said. "These Community Development Block grants are important because they help make sure that people in Rome have a solid roof over their heads."

The primary purpose of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is for the development of viable urban communities, by providing decent housing, suitable living environments and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income. The city received $1,456,000 from the CDBG program and is free to use the funds as they see necessary to accomplish this stated goal.

“The lack of decent, affordable housing is one of the greatest threats to our state’s economic long-term success. This funding provides much needed affordable housing to families throughout Rome,” said Schumer.

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