[StBernard] HUD approval of LA housing plan breathes new life into recovery;

[Westley Annis]

HUD approval of LA housing plan breathes new life into recovery; Governor says Road Home on next leg of race 

New Orleans-Standing with Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson at a news conference, Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco smiled and thanked him for delivering a message of hope to the people of Louisiana.

"It's coming folks! The promised Community Development Block Grant assistance for housing is coming. We are running strong, and today's announcement will speed up our recovery," said Governor Blanco.

Secretary Jackson's approval of the Road Home housing plan marks the next leg of the race, according to Governor Blanco, who calls on Congress to pass the President's Supplemental Appropriations Bill that includes an additional $4.2 billion in housing funding.

"I urge Congress to make this the first item of business after the Memorial Day recess. The additional $4.2 billion will be the final leg that takes us across the finish line," said Governor Blanco.

The Road Home Program, funded by HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, will provide displaced homeowners will a maximum of $150,000 for their uninsured damages - minus insurance payments and FEMA assistance---to repair, rebuild, take a buyout and relocate, or sell their homes.

"This plan is a significant step toward rebuilding new, vital neighborhoods in Louisiana and will help put out the welcome mat for folks to come home," said Jackson. "HUD will continue to work closely with Louisiana to make sure the new communities that emerge will be places any Louisianan will be proud to come home to."

"Our plan prioritizes investment in Louisiana. This funding must be invested in our recovery. The state will do everything we can to see that the federal funding appropriated to rebuild New Orleans and coastal Louisiana goes toward rebuilding. We will be good stewards of this investment in our recovery," said Governor Blanco.

Earlier this month, Secretary Jackson approved $368.4 million for Louisiana's action plan to provide interest-free small business bridge loans, start-up costs for the Road Home Housing Program, and community infrastructure. The funding is part of $6.2 billion in CDBG assistance allocated to Louisiana in January to assist the state in its long-term recovery efforts. The Louisiana Recovery Authority has been instrumental in developing the action plans.

"This is a momentous day for Louisiana. Just nine months ago, we lost more than 200,000 homes to Hurricanes and Katrina and Rita. HUD's approval means we are closer than ever to getting checks in the hands of homeowners as they begin to rebuild their lives," said Norman C. Francis, Chairman of the Louisiana Recovery Authority.

"As we know all too well, Louisiana is facing what we believe to be the largest recovery, redevelopment and planning effort in American history. HUD's approval of our plan is yet another clear signal to Congress that Louisiana has met this challenge head on. We developed a detailed housing plan, including tough new building codes. We received thousands of public comments, and improved the plan accordingly. The state will soon announce the selection a private firm to oversee and manage the program and make available grant awards, affordable loans, and other assistance to help homeowners get back in their homes as quickly as possible," said Francis.

Approximately 80,000 people who lost a home in Hurricanes Katrina or Rita have registered for The Road Home Housing Program. Residents are urged to contact the program by calling 1-888-ROAD-2-LA or registering on line at www.louisianarebuilds.info <http://www.louisianarebuilds.info> .

For more information on Louisiana Recovery Authority please click www.lra.louisiana.gov <http://www.lra.louisiana.gov>  



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The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation Louisiana's Fund for Louisiana's People www.louisianahelp.org