The public is invited to comment on Idaho's efforts to distribute federal housing and community development funds at an open house on Monday, June 14 from 4-6 p.m., in IHFA's first floor conference room at 565 West Myrtle in Boise.
Each year Idaho receives up to $20 million for housing and community development projects involving low-income housing, sewer, street and road improvements, and economic development. The funds are distributed by the Idaho Housing and Finance Association and the Idaho Department of Commerce.
"These programs allow us to reinvest our federal tax dollars in Idaho communities where they are most needed," said Julie Williams, vice president of Community Housing Services for IHFA. "We want to hear from more Idahoans about local priorities and solutions, and hope to increase public participation in statewide strategic planning and reporting efforts each year. This is one case where it actually helps to have a few 'back seat drivers.'"
The open house marks the beginning of a 15-day public review and comment period for the State of Idaho Annual Performance Report required for HUD-funded programs. The final report, including public comments, will be submitted to HUD on June 30, 2004.
IHFA administers federal HOME and Emergency Shelter Grant funds to non-entitlement communities to support affordable housing and emergency shelter options, while the Department of Commerce distributes Idaho Community Development Block Grant funds to support community and economic development projects. Eligible projects include affordable multifamily housing, community infrastructure, public facilities and other resources that benefit communities and their low- to moderate-income residents.
"We structure our statewide consolidated plan based on local input," explains Idaho Community Development Manager Dianna Clough. "We do our best to support projects that meet the real needs of real Idahoans."
Both IHFA and Commerce will host a series of open houses during July and August to invite public discussion and comment on the 2005 State of Idaho Five-Year Plan for Housing and Community Development. Locations include Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Moscow, Jerome, Boise, Rexburg and Montpelier.
"These events will offer the public a chance to better understand the programs and processes involved, and to contribute to the plan's overall needs assessment, priorities, and strategies," said Clough. E-mail hirc@ihfa.org or call Erik Kingston toll-free at 1-877-438-4472 for details.
Individuals unable to attend the Boise open house may view materials via the Web at research_perfreport.asp after June 14. Comments may be submitted by e-mail to hirc@ihfa.org, by mail to Erik Kingston, P.O. Box 7899 Boise, ID 83707-1899 or toll-free by phone at 1-877-438-4472 / (TDD) 1-800-545-1833 Ext. 400.
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