U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson today announced that the agency will supply $11.5 billion in disaster funding among five Gulf Coast states impacted by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.

HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Program will allocate the money to assist Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama and Texas in long-term recovery efforts.

Under the plan, Alabama will receive $74.4 million, Florida will receive $82.9 million, Louisiana will receive $6.2 billion, Mississippi will receive $5.1 billion, and Texas will receive $74.5 million.

“Today, we take another major step toward fulfilling the President’s pledge to rebuild the Gulf region,” Jackson said. “This is an investment in long-term recovery and rebuilding lives. It’s my hope that families who once had a home can return home.”

Donald Powell, federal coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, said, “We are pleased that Congress has appropriated these monies for the purpose of long-term recovery and rebuilding of the Gulf Coast. This program allows states leaders – who are closest to the people – to decide exactly how this grant money should be spent. Housing is an extremely important priority for long-term rebuilding of the region and will help ensure the economic vitality of the Gulf. In particular, we hope these funds are used to help meet the tremendous housing needs of people and families along the Gulf Coast. “

On Dec. 30, 2005, President Bush signed legislation providing $11.5 billion in disaster relief to the five Gulf Coast states. By law, no one state could receive more than 54 percent, or $6.2 billion, of the total appropriation, HUD announced.

The grant money “was allocated based on Congress’ intent that areas of highest need and with greatest concentration of destruction receive priority consideration. In addition, HUD placed special emphasis on areas of particular unmet housing needs,” according to the announcement.

HUD has plans to publish a notice providing guidance to these states and to assist with long-term recovery planning, particularly as they relate to housing needs. Jackson said, “This money has got to get to the people and places that desperately need it.”

Community Development Block Grant money is distributed by formula around the country based on a community’s population, poverty, the age of its housing stock, and extent of overcrowded housing.

HUD analyzed data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Small Business Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and U.S. Geological Service data in calculating grant money allocations for each of the five states, according to the announcement today.

***

Send tips or a Letter to the Editor to glenn@inman.com or call (510) 658-9252, ext. 137.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×