PROVIDENCE – U.S. Sens. Jack F. Reed and Sheldon T. Whitehouse announced $25.5 million for Rhode Island in community-development and neighborhood revitalization funds for the fiscal year 2017 in a press release on Wednesday.
Full numbers for federal programs had not been previously announced because Congress did not pass a full-year budget until May 5.
The money comes from five federal funds, the Community Development Block Grant, the Home Investment Partnerships Program, the Emergency Shelter Grant, the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS and the Housing Trust Fund. Each program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“These targeted investments will help create jobs, develop affordable housing and boost economic development in neighborhoods and communities throughout Rhode Island. By leveraging these federal funds with local resources, cities and towns can enhance infrastructure and help businesses spur economic development,” Reed said in a prepared statement.
The Rhode Island State Program will receive approximately $5 million in CDBG funds, $3.02 million in HOME funds, $3 million in HTF funds and $671,995 in ESG funds.
In addition to the state-allocated funds, these programs will also provide funds locally.
For instance, over $1 million in federal HOWPA funds are expected to be allocated to Providence.
CDBG funds:
State: $5 million
The CDBG program provides local municipalities with federal funding to address neighborhood developmental needs. Eligible communities may also apply to the state for funding from the $5 million state allocation.
- Providence – $4.68 million
- Pawtucket – $1.73 million
- Woonsocket – $1.24 million
- Cranston – $1.01 million
- Warwick – $873,550
- East Providence – $691,510
HOME program funds:
State: $3.02 million
The HOME program provides funding to expand the supply of quality affordable housing to working families.
- Providence – $1.2 million
- Pawtucket – $407,524
- Woonsocket – $330,974
ESG funds:
State: $671,995
The ESG program provides annual grants to state and local governments as well as private entities to upgrade and expand emergency homeless shelters.
- Providence – $427,127
- Pawtucket – $156,088
- Woonsocket – $106,023
HTF funds:
State: $3 million
The Housing Trust Fund allocates money to create affordable rental housing in communities.
HOWPA:
HOWPA provides funding to communities and nonprofit organizations to offer housing assistance and related supportive services to low-income individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
Providence: $1 million
Both Senators noted in the release that President Donald Trump’s fiscal year 2018 budget would eliminate funding for the CDBG, HOME, and HTF programs, and cut funding for the ESG and HOWPA programs.
Chris Bergenheim is the PBN web editor.
