Sep 30 2009
HUD Awards Will Unleash More than $100 Million of Economic Activity in the District for New Construction, Greening Public Housing and Creating Jobs
The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) has been awarded more than $34.4 million in competitive grants by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for seven development projects.
The Public Housing Capital Funds, provided through The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (AARA) of 2009, will permit DCHA and its development partners to unleash $102,227,206 of economic activity in the District.
"These grants are perfect examples of using the Recovery Act to rebuild the economy stronger and wiser by investing in new and emerging sustainable industries," said HUD Director Shaun Donovan. "This Recovery Act funding will not only reduce energy costs for public housing authorities and mitigate negative environmental impacts, but will also create much-needed 'green' jobs."
This funding comes at a crucial time for DCHA. The largest grant, Capper Carrollsburg Phase II, needs the funds in order to move forward. The grants will also ensure that the Sheridan Terrace redevelopment remains on schedule.
"This year, DCHA received more than $61.4 million from HUD in stimulus grant funding. We are taking timely, targeted and effective steps to preserve and improve affordable housing, create jobs, and improve energy efficiency by using "green" standards," said DCHA Executive Director Michael Kelly.
"Phase I of the Sheridan Station development is on track to become the premier green, transit-oriented mixed-income housing development in the District of Columbia. The funding will help pay for a solar power array, vegetative green roof, bio-retention facilities, Energy Star(C) appliances and sustainable building materials," said Bill Slover, Chairman of the DCHA Board of Commissioners.
"These recent awards are a testament to the fine work Michael Kelly has done in his 10 years as DCHA Executive Director; he laid the foundation and leaves the blueprint for future successes," Slover added.
Earlier this year, DCHA received $27 million in Capital Fund stimulus funding to make capital improvements at public housing developments. "Public housing is as vital to a community's infrastructure as the roads citizens travel to get to work, the schools where children are educated, or the public libraries and parks where the quality of life is enhanced," added Kelly.
Source: http://www.dchousing.org/