(WASHINGTON, DC) – A $515,508 grant awarded to the City of Temple will help develop a more viable community, provide decent housing and expand economic opportunities, Congressman John Carter (TX-31) announced today.

The Community Development Block Grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

"The city of Temple can use these funds to continue providing opportunities for its residents, which is critical as it’s one of the fastest growing areas in the state," Carter said.

Temple’s population has increased about 10 percent to 60,000 people since 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The CDBG program is meant to primarily assist low- and moderate-income people. Funds can be used for acquisition of property, relocation, rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures, construction of public facilities, and energy conservation.