CUOMO ANNOUNCES $1.4 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR COMMUNITIES
IN ARKANSAS UNDER NEW HUD DISASTER RECOVERY PROGRAM

The grants will help the communities recover from 14 tornadoes that tore a 260-mile path of destruction through the state in March.

The grants were authorized under disaster relief legislation signed into law by President Clinton in June.

"No amount of money can erase the terrible devastation caused by tornadoes in Arkansas, but this assistance can help speed recovery efforts to create stronger and better communities," Cuomo said. "The Clinton Administration and all Americans stand with the people of Arkansas in our determination to rebuild from the damage caused by this disaster as completely and quickly as humanly possible."

Funds under the new HUD Disaster Recovery Program can be used for long-term recovery efforts, property buyouts, relocations and efforts to prevent future flood damage. The program will give communities great flexibility in meeting local needs quickly.

Communities can use funds for: rehabilitation of residential and commercial buildings; acquisition, construction or reconstruction of public facilities and improvements, including streets, neighborhood centers, and water and sewer facilities; homeownership assistance, including downpayment assistance and interest rate subsides; building new replacement housing; code enforcement; and assistance to businesses for carrying out economic development activities for job creation and retention.