Senate President Says Eastern Connecticut Towns Getting Stimulus Money for Public Housing
Willimantic, Putnam, and Brooklyn receiving thousands for ‘shovel ready’ housing projects
Hartford, CT – March 24, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) says that as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA of 2009), several public housing authorities in Eastern Connecticut will receive Public Housing Capital Fund Formula Grants.
“The purpose of the grants is two-fold: help communities meet the needs of residents in difficult times and create jobs through the construction process,” said Senator Williams. “For months my office has been working with our Congressional delegation to ensure that Eastern Connecticut is not left out as the stimulus dollars are distributed. I will continue to work with the delegation and with the Obama administration on behalf of Eastern Connecticut.”
The Willimantic Housing Authority is receiving $502,604, the Putnam Housing Authority is receiving $312,465, and the Brooklyn Housing Authority will get $24,403. All told, 34 public housing authorities that own or operate federal low income public housing in Connecticut received funding.
Senator Williams was among a group of several dozen legislative leaders from across the U.S. who met with President Obama and Vice President Biden last week in Washington, D.C. Senator Williams discussed how Connecticut could maximize federal dollars available in the ARRA and also spoke about the importance of investment in transportation infrastructure, health IT, and ‘green’ jobs.
“Meeting with President Obama and Vice President Biden was a great opportunity to not only advocate for policies and funding that help the entire State of Connecticut, but also for those in which Eastern Connecticut can play a leading role,” said Senator Williams.
The total value of the Public Housing Capital Fund — Formula Grants being distributed across the U.S. is $35,743,555. The timeline in the ARRA requires the public housing authorities to obligate 100 percent of the funds within one year of the date on which funds become available; expend at least 60 percent of funds within two years; and expend 100 percent within three years of such date.
