Easley, Michael. Press Release, 2004-12-01, Gov. Easley Awards $900,000 In Grants To Aid 13 Communities

Michael F. Easley Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Lauren Mims Date: December 1 , 2004 Phone: 919/733-5612 GOV. EASLEY AWARDS $900,000 IN GRANTS TO AID 13 COMMUNITIES RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley today announced the award of more than S900,000 in North Carolina Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to 13 communities across the state. “These funds help us improve the economic well being and quality of life for our citizens,” Easley said. “The community development program enables communities to build stronger neighborhoods and better places to work and live.” The grants will help 40 low- and moderate-income families buy their first homes, connect 330 households to public water and sewer systems, build a 42-unit elderly apartment complex and enable a local community development corporation to expand its capacity to handle economic development projects. Small Cities CDBG money comes from the federal government’s Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is given to the state to allocate to local governments for community improvements in low- to moderate-income areas. The N.C. Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Assistance administers the program. All North Carolina counties are eligible to apply for funds except for Wake and Cumberland counties which have been designated urban areas by HUD. Most municipalities in those two counties also are ineligible as are 23 cities that receive funds directly from HUD. In this latest round of awards, Ashe County and the city of Monroe each received $40,000 in CDBG Individual Development Accounts to help low- and moderate-income families buy their first home and begin the journey to economic independence by attending financial literacy classes. Alexander, Burke, Catawba, Green, Halifax and Harnett counties along with Dobbins Heights and New Bern each received $75,000 in CDBG Infrastructure Hook-Up awards to be used to connect homes to existing public water and sewer lines. Leland also received a $20,125 CDBG Infrastructure Hook-Up award. -more- Govemor's Press Office State Capitol. Raleigh, NC 27603-8001 (919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005 FAX (919) 733-5166