CUOMO ANNOUNCES $2.8 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR COMMUNITIES IN IDAHO UNDER NEW HUD DISASTER RECOVERY INITIATIVE

Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $2.8 million in grants to communities in Idaho under the new Department of Housing and Urban Development Disaster Recovery Initiative.

In Idaho, grants will help repair many public facilities, including roads and bridges, and public and private water and sewer systems, that were damaged or destroyed by landslides and excessive silt and debris carried by the flood waters. Erosion of stream banks endangered numerous properties, and other properties were identified for buyout, relocation or elevation to cure damage or protect from future damage.

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

"No amount of money can erase the devastation caused by the severe storms, 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 Idaho in our determination to rebuild from the damage caused by this storm as completely and quickly as humanly possible."

The State of Idaho will distribute grants to 18 counties including: Adams, Benewah, Boise, Bonner, Boundary, Camas, Clearwater, Elmore, Gem, Idaho, Kootenai, Latah, Nez Perce, Owyhee, Payette, Shoshone, Valley and Washington. All the areas receiving assistnace were declared disaster areas by President Clinton.

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

Funds under the new HUD Disaster Recovery Initiative 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 HUD 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.