Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) applauded today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approving Texas’ plan for the use of $429 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for on-going recovery efforts related to hurricanes Rita and Katrina.

 

“This is welcomed news.  It’s been over 18 months since the hurricanes, and our communities have had to wait too long for the money needed to recover.  Now they can really focus on rebuilding their homes and infrastructure,” said Brady who spearheaded along with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison the Texas delegation’s efforts to secure the additional funding for Texas.

 

HUD’s approval of the plan was required before the federal government would release any of the $429 million CDBG funds approved for Texas.  The action plan details how the state will spend those funds on recovery efforts.  By law, the state may use up to five percent of the funding to cover the administrative costs of the recovery program.  The remaining $407 million will be used to assist in rebuilding the region’s housing stock and critical infrastructure damaged by the hurricanes.

 

HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson announced in August that Texas would receive $429 million in emergency hurricane recovery funding following his earlier 1,100 square mile tour of hurricane damaged East and Southeast Texas organized by Congressman Brady.