(WASHINGTON, DC)–Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks and his colleagues in the House of Representatives passed the HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2007 (H.R. 3524). The bill reauthorizes HOPE VI for the next eight years with an authorization level of up to $800 million a year. In addition, to reauthorizing the program the bill makes several changes to the program.

Established in 1992, HOPE VI has revitalized communities across the country and has been a very successful program. For the first time, the bill will track displaced public housing residents to ensure that they can find temporary or permanent housing. The bill stops the practice of re-screening returning residents and increases resident involvement in the planning and implementation process.

This bill requires all demolished public housing units to be replaced. Previously there were no replacement requirements which resulted in a loss of 30,000 public housing units over the years. All units are required to be completed in 54 months.

A major change to the program is the inclusion of meeting national Green Communities standards. Green standards are already required in several cities and states across the country. On average it cost an additional 2 to 4 percent to go green but this will increase the energy efficiency of units and decrease utility costs for residents.

“I applaud my colleagues for passing H.R. 3542,” said Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, a member of the Financial Services Committee. “Revitalization of public housing units improves communities while increasing the living standards of the elderly and poor.”

H.R. 3524 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.

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