FRANKFORT, KY (August 11, 2008) –  Gov. Steve Beshear, in conjunction with the Department for Local Government (DLG), has awarded the city of Sacramento with a $418,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)for a Homeower Rehabilitation Project.  The funds will be used to reduce substandard housing with a plan to reconstruct units belonging to qualifying low income, disabled and/or elderly homeowners. 

The city will use the grant to target at least 6 houses that have been inspected and determined to be beyond repair.  The rehabilitation project will address multiple safety and health hazards such as unsound foundations, dangerous outdated electrical wiring and fuse boxes, structural damage, no insulation and leaky roofs. 

“This project is about more than wood, drywall, and pipes,” said Gov. Beshear while visiting Sacramento City Hall.  “It’s about improving the quality of life for some of our most vulnerable citizens.  I strongly believe safe, sanitary housing is a basic right to which all Kentuckians are entitled.”   

The dilapidated units will be demolished and reconstructed on their existing properties.  Funds will also be used to provide temporary housing for homeowners during the rehabilitation process. 

Kentucky’s U. S. Congressional leaders’ continued support of the CDBG program has made the funding available nationally as well as within the commonwealth.  The state’s CDBG program is managed by DLG and funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  Approved grants are used to assist counties and cities in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services.

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