CUOMO ANNOUNCES $4.8 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR COMMUNITIES
IN WASHINGTON STATE UNDER NEW HUD DISASTER RECOVERY PROGRAM

The grants will help the communities recover from severe storms, landslides and flooding that hit the state last winter and spring.

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 these disasters in Washington, 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 Washington in our determination to rebuild from the damage caused by these disasters as completely and quickly as humanly possible."

Cuomo made the grant announcement from Washington, DC, in a conference call with Senator Patty Murray in Washington State.

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.

The HUD assistance will supplement aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal agencies.

Senator Murray said: "We fought long and hard to get this money for Washington. I thank Secretary Cuomo for delivering today on President Clinton's pledge to give us the aid we need and deserve. This money will be put to good use, helping to rebuild areas that suffered most in the severe weather."

Governor Gary Locke said: "The people of Washington were hit hard by disaster this year. The federal aid we requested from HUD will play an important role as our citizens try to rebuild their lives."

• Read the Washington State Fact Sheet on Disaster Funding