U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Sec. Julián Castro unveiled almost $50 million in federal funds going to almost 80 government agencies for public housing projects across Florida.
Castro, whose name has garnered some buzz as a potential vice presidential candidate on the Democratic ticket this year, said $49.6 million would come to projects across the Sunshine State as part of HUD’s Capital Fund Program to improve public housing including maintenance, repairs, improving energy efficiency and other improvements.
“HUD has a responsibility to provide public housing residents with a quality and safe roof over their heads,” Castro said on Friday. “This funding, in addition to assistance from the private sector through HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration Program, will help housing authorities address longstanding capital improvements and preserve and enhance America’s affordable housing.”
"This funding is critically important to public housing agencies as they address their backlog of capital needs," said HUD Southeast Regional Administrator Ed Jennings. "It is a pivotal tool to help them provide the best housing possible for their residents."
Miami Dade Pubic Housing and Community Development was the largest beneficiary in Florida, receiving almost $11.9 million from HUD. The Tampa Housing Authority took in more than $4.9 million from HUD. The Jacksonville Housing Authority received almost $3.4 million. In Central Florida, the Orlando Housing Authority took in more than $2.1 million from HUD. The Hialeah Housing Authority and the Housing Authority of the City of Ft. Myers received more than $1.2 million each.
Florida was not in the top 10 when it came to HUD grants. New York led all states with $370.5 million from HUD with Pennsylvania getting $115 million and Illinois behind it at $113 million and Puerto Rico at $105 million. Next came Ohio with $73.6 million and Texas with $71 million. HUD awarded projects in California more than $67 million while New Jersey was penciled in for $62.5 million and Georgia garnered almost $60 million. Public housing projects in Alabama received more than $56 million from HUD while those in Massachusetts garnered almost $53 million.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
