[StBernard] Action Plans Published for Review, Public Invited to Comment

[Westley Annis]

Action Plans Published for Review 

Public Invited to Comment on Proposed Economic Development Programs, Affordable Rental Housing and Mobile Home Owner Eligibility 

BATON ROUGE, La. (September 5, 2006) - The Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) and Office of Community Development (OCD) published action plan amendments for public comment Friday related to a research commercialization program, low-income housing tax credits, small rental properties and mobile home owners. The public comment period will conclude on Monday, September 11. 

The research commercialization program for higher education seeks $28.5 million in federal CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds to stabilize and grow the research capacity of Louisiana's higher education institutions in the parishes most damaged by the hurricanes. This action plan, also known as the Research Commercialization/Educational Enhancement Program (RC/EEP), would help capitalize on the research conducted at the universities and help deliver the resulting technology into the marketplace.


A key part of the plan will include re-building the workforce pipeline for the research sector in the affected areas. It will have an emphasis on attracting low- and moderate-income students to science and technology research and education tracks in two-year technical and four-year programs.

"We cannot simply rebuild what was there before," said Dr. Norman Francis, LRA Chairman. "We must seize this opportunity to invest in the future of our economy. Focusing on targeted research and technology development can serve as the basis for new companies and high quality jobs for the people of Louisiana."

As part of Louisiana's long term recovery, the program is designed to boost research in science and technology, build the systems needed to turn the research into marketable products and processes, and facilitate the transfer of technologies to local companies. It will serve as a catalyst for generating startup companies, supporting existing companies, attracting companies to the state, and creating new high tech jobs.

A separate action plan amendment published on Friday proposed clarifications for low-incoming housing tax credits, assistance to mobile home owners and additional flexibility for small rental property owners. 

"We are dedicated to creating quick and equitable solutions to help renters and homeowners alike rebuild their lives," said LRA Housing Task Force Chair and Board Member Walter Leger. "These clarifications provide a clearer picture for how this program will be implemented and represent our commitment to de-concentrating poverty - a critical step on our road to recovery." 

The proposal clarifies the types of properties available under the LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credit) -CDBG program, referred to as the Piggyback Program. The creation of mixed income developments remains a primary goal of the Road Home rental housing programs, and a significant portion of the Piggyback program funds will be devoted to spurring mixed income projects that provide market rate housing, workforce housing and housing for extremely low income households. 

The State is seeking to promote the following types of rental housing units:

*	Workforce Housing: Both market-rate unites and units affordable to households with incomes below 60% of area median income (AMI)
*	Additional Affordability Units: Units affordable to households with incomes at or below 20%, 30% or 40% AMI
*	Permanent Supportive Housing: Housing for a variety of households including extremely low income people with an AMI of 30% or below, with serious or long-term disabilities or are homeless 

The amendment also clarifies the financing options available under the Piggyback Program. These include: 

*	Louisiana Project Based Rental Assistance: Operating support funding will be available for units affordable to households with incomes below 40% of AMI.
*	Louisiana Mixed Income Flexible Subsidy: Financial support for Mixed Income developments.
*	Louisiana Additional Affordability Gap Financing: Gap financing for Additional Affordability LIHTC developments, potentially including projects financed through tax exempt bonds and LIHTCs.
*	Louisiana Permanent Supportive Housing Gap Financing: Gap financing for Permanent Supportive Housing developments.
*	Louisiana Supportive Services Grants - Funding for the cost of supportive services for occupants of PSH units.
*	The amendment also provides additional flexibility for assistance to small rental properties. The Small 

Rental Property Repair Program will provide financing to qualified owners who agree to offer apartments at affordable rents to be occupied by lower income households. Specifically, the amendment:


*	Expands eligible activities
	
*	Facilitates applications for rehabilitation of scattered site properties owned by single entity
	
*	Proposes increases in the maximum award amount per unit
	
*	Provides flexibility for the period of affordability restrictions and occupancy agreements

The action plan amendment also proposes a revision to the Road Home housing assistance program regarding the eligibility of mobile home owners. The amendment defines that all owners of mobile homes who meet the criteria of eligibility under the program may be eligible for financial assistance under the Road Home. 

Citizens, community leaders and elected officials can access the plans online by clicking here <http://keelson.eatel.net/websites/la.gov/action.cfm?md=communication&task=addClick&msg_ID=2425&ID=d8jzk0m%29l%20mE&redirect=http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/cdbg/dractionplans.htm>  and opening Action Plan Amendment 4 or 5 or request a copy by phone by calling (225) 342-7412.

After the public comment period and the programs receive final approval from Governor Blanco, the LRA and the Louisiana Legislature, these action plans will be delivered to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington for final approval.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated South Louisiana, displacing more than 200,000 homes and 18,000 businesses. In the aftermath of these storms, Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco established the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) to serve as the planning and coordinating body for Louisiana's recovery. This 33-member body is coordinating across jurisdictions, supporting community recovery and resurgence, ensuring integrity and effectiveness, and planning for one of the most extensive rebuilding efforts in the world.

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