
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 4, 1991                   TAG: 9104040482
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Joel Turner
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

ROANOKE MAY GET $1.1 MILLION IN HOUSING FUNDS

Roanoke may receive up to $1.1 million a year in federal money to upgrade housing for low- and moderate-income people under a new national housing law that was recently approved by Congress.

Dan Pollock, the city's housing development coordinator, said Wednesday the funds could be used for new construction, rehabilitation of existing housing, rent subsidies and other housing programs.

The National Affordable Housing Act overhauled many housing programs and established a housing block grant program for localities, he said.

Roanoke's funding level will depend on the amount that is appropriated nationally, but it could be eligible for more than $1 million a year if Congress fully funds the $2 billion program, he said.

Cities will be required to provide matching funds for the federal money. The matching requirements will vary for different kinds of housing programs.

Pollock said 15 percent of the federal money must also be earmarked for non-profit, community development agencies.

Localities must also prepare a five-year plan - called a comprehensive housing strategy - to be eligible for federal funds.

The city Planning Commission agreed to work with Pollock and other city officials in developing the plan that must be submitted by Oct. 31 to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

by CNB