In September HUD formally announced a $1.5 billion grant agreement with Puerto Rico to help the island and its residents recover from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The agreement means that allocated CDBG-DR Program funds can now begin flowing into communities to address unmet recovery needs. In its Action Plan, Puerto Rico indicated that it will invest $1 billion for housing, including up to $120,000 per household to rebuild destroyed homes, and up to $48,000 per household for repairs to damaged homes. An additional $10 million will be spent on rental assistance for elderly and other vulnerable households. The Action Plan also details how Puerto Rico will use $145 million of CBDG-DR funds for economic revitalization and business development, and another $100 million for infrastructure. These funds only include HUD’s first CDBG-DR allocation to Puerto Rico for 2017 disasters, and Puerto Rico has posted a ‘Substantial Amendment’ for comment to its Action Plan for the remaining $8.2 billion of CDBG-DR it was awarded to address unmet need. HUD also awarded Puerto Rico $8.28 billion for mitigation activities and is expected to publish a Federal Register notice guiding those funds soon.
HUD Signs CDBG-DR Grant Agreement with Puerto Rico
Published by Oklahoma Coalition for Affordable Housing
The vision of OCAH: That all Oklahomans have the opportunity to live in safe, healthy and affordable homes. Our Mission: To lead the movement to ensure that all residents of the state of Oklahoma flourish in safe, affordable homes and to help communities develop safe and affordable housing options for all of their residents. We reach our mission through advocacy, education and practical training to foster the production and maintenance of affordable housing throughout the state. View all posts by Oklahoma Coalition for Affordable Housing