Southwest

New Mexico Approves $20 Million for Road Projects
   The commission's action follows in the wake of a veto earlier this year by Gov. Susana Martinez (R). She vetoed highway maintenance legislation because she said the measure allocated $20 million in funding for road maintenance but was offset with only $12 million in tax revenue.
posted 10/23/12 11:45 AM  read complete story

USDA Infrastructure Program to Favor Neediest Colonias
   The Agriculture Department (USDA) is changing the priority points system for applications in its Section 306C Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants Program to favor the neediest colonias. USDA's program finances improvements in colonias -- those areas along the U.S.-Mexico border that lack adeq...
posted 7/24/12 4:13 PM  read complete story

Houston Criticized for CDBG Disaster Funding Use
   HUD's Office of Inspector General (OIG) criticizes the city of Houston for using CDBG disaster funding to build affordable housing in disaster areas instead of directly helping those in greatest need.   Disaster recovery funds were sent to state officials as a result of Hurricane Ike, but the...
posted 7/23/12 1:17 PM  read complete story

TX Ag Department Seeks Rural Development Applicants
   The Texas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2013-14 cycle of rural community development grant funds. Cities of fewer than 50,000 people and counties of fewer than 200,000 are eligible for the funds and must apply by Oct. 26. The grants are administered through the depart...
posted 7/18/12 4:40 PM  read complete story

AR Taking Applications for Rural Community Grant
     Arkansas officials are set to accept three new cycles of FY 2013 Rural Community Grant (RCG) applications. The Department of Rural Services (DRS) is accepting applications for an Aug. 17 deadline, with Dec. 7 and March 15, 2013 the next two deadlines. Applicants can be from incorporated tow...
posted 7/9/12 4:08 PM  read complete story

Union Pacific Foundation Offers Community Grants
   Union Pacific Foundation (UPF) is offering up to $10,000 in awards through its Community-Based Grants Program. Schools, community-based groups and nonprofits in areas served by the railroad are eligible for grant funding. They are urged to file a preliminary application earlier than the Aug. 14 post...
posted 7/5/12 10:42 AM  read complete story

Colorado Using CDBG, HOME Funds to Rebuild After Fires
   Colorado officials can reallocate CDBG and HOME Investment Partnerships Program dollars to help El Paso and Larimer counties because President Barack Obama on June 29 declared those jurisdictions disaster areas due to massive wildfires. HUD officials are in contact with state Department of Local A...
posted 7/3/12 12:57 PM  read complete story

State and Local Briefs
   Iowa: The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) awards seven communities a combined $3.5 million in CDBG funding. The awards are expected to result in rehabilitation of 144 buildings. Burlington, Charles City, Conrad, Elkader, Emmetsburg, Manning and West Union each receive CDBG funds for maste...
posted 6/25/12 4:45 PM  read complete story

Multi-Agency Effort Brings Capital to Colonias
   HUD, the Agriculture Department-Rural Development (USDA-RD) office and the Treasury Department's Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund begin the new Border Community Capital Initiative (BCCI), created to help lenders and investors provide capital to distressed communities near the...
posted 6/12/12 2:53 PM  read complete story

TX Groups to Aid Housing, Community Development
   Thirteen regional housing groups form the new NeighborWorks Alliance of Texas to expand and preserve affordable housing and community development opportunities for the state.
posted 6/1/12 12:22 PM  read complete story