Contact: Ernie Blazar 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Friday, July 11, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Kit Bond today announced that the three Missouri cities will receive a total of more than $5 million in federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), adding to the millions of dollars in housing funds he already has announced this year.

"For needy families in these communities this help will make a real difference," said Bond, who as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee that funds HUD, has earmarked money for these programs. "Every family should be able to find affordable and safe housing. I will continue to support programs that make this possible."

The following three Missouri cities will receive $5,125,382 in HUD funds:

Springfield will receive $2,856,221 for the following programs:

* Community Development Block Grant $1,693,000

* HOME Investment Partnership Program $1,163,221

Independence will receive $1,440,161 for the following programs:

* Community Development Block Grant $931,000

* HOME Investment Partnership Program $509,161

Joplin will receive $829,000 for the following program:

* Community Development Block Grant $1,693,000

Springfield, Independence and Joplin will use the funds to help low and moderate-income families, including expanding housing programs, providing public services, improving public facilities, addressing slum and blight conditions in lower income areas and providing funds for homeless prevention.

HUD'S Community Development Block Grant funds are used to provide decent housing and a suitable living environment and expand economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income families through a number of activities such as buying property; construction/reconstruction of streets, water and sewer facilities, neighborhood centers, recreation facilities; demolition; rehabilitation of public and private buildings; public services. The HOME Investment Partnership Program funds the building, buying, and rehabilitation of affordable housing for rent or homeownership and provides direct rental assistance to low-income people.

Kit Bond is Missouri’s senior Senator and is now in his third term after having served the state previously during two terms as Governor.