Washington, DC - Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) today announced that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will be allocating $733,133 from the 2009 Recovery Act Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Formula Program, $1,121,523 from the 2009 Recovery Act Homelessness Prevention Grant Program, and $5,309,324 from the 2009 Capital Fund Program to the City of Savannah.  These funds will be directed toward programs that can begin in 120 days.

CDBG funding can be used by local governments to invest in activities that create suitable living environments, provide decent affordable housing, and create economic opportunities.   According to HUD, "Capital Fund awards will be used to provide funds to Public Housing Agencies eligible for Capital funding as authorized under Section 9 of the United State Housing Act of 1937, with the exception that funds cannot be used for operations or rental assistance. The funds will be used for capital and management activities, including modernization and development of public housing."

Additionally, the "Homelessness Prevention Grant will provide financial and other assistance to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless and help those who are experiencing homelessness to be quickly re-housed and stabilized...The funds will provide for a variety of assistance, including: short-term or medium-term rental assistance and housing relocation and stabilization services, including such activities as mediation, security or utility deposits, utility payments, moving cost assistance, and case management." 

"It's great that cities like Savannah are already getting their economic recovery funds," said Barrow.  "Folks here have been hit hard by the recession, and this money couldn't get here a minute too soon.  These funds will grow our local economy in a lasting way through infrastructure projects that will hold their value in the long run.  More importantly, they'll be used to put folks to work and keep their families from being homeless."

In total, communities in Georgia's 12^th District will receive close to $14.5 million in 2009 Recovery Act grants from HUD.

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Contact:  Jane Brodsky, (202) 225-2823

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