City Gets $2.2M for Development, Housing | The Huntington Herald-Dispatch

HUNTINGTON - The City of Huntington will receive $2.5 million in federal funds for economic development, expanding affordable housing and providing shelter for the homeless.

Meanwhile, the Huntington Housing Authority will get $1.1 million in a federal grant to develop, finance and modernize its facilities.

The money announced Monday was part of more than $29.8 million awarded statewide by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to create sustainable communities and expand economic opportunities for West Virginia families. The grants were announced in a news release from U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin, who are members of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee.

Of the money allocated to Huntington, $1.76 million was in Community Development Block Grants. Nearly $632,400 was from HUD's HOME Investment Partnerships program to increase home ownership and affordable housing opportunities. The remainder, approximately $149,000, was Emergency Solutions Grants funding for supporting services related to emergency shelter and homeless management.

Development funding and programs that support communities, regardless of situation, is critical to West Virginia's success, Capito said a statement.

"Whether it is upgrading water and wastewater services or helping a struggling family put a roof over their heads, state agencies and municipalities depend on this formula funding to improve the lives of thousands of West Virginians," she said.

Investment in the community allows families to remain the state, which in turn attracts business, Manchin said in a prepared statement.

"No one should have to relocate their home because the cost of living has skyrocketed or they hit a financial speed bump," he said.

Huntington Mayor Steve Williams thanked the senators for their support of the grants and programs, which have benefited several initiatives in the city.

"The Community Development Block Grant Program, for example, has been a critical funding source for the A.D. Lewis Community Center and for the purchase of new fire apparatuses, among many other important initiatives in our community," he said.

Other cities receiving funding were Charleston, Martinsburg, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Weirton and Wheeling, while statewide programs received about $20.4 million.

The senators also announced $13.5 million in funding allocations for 30 public housing authorities across the state, including $1.1 million for the Huntington Housing Authority. The money will be used for capitol improvements and for day-to-day operations.

###

• Print
• Email
• Tweet