Federal Government Grants Ohio $25 Million For Housing Program
   Ohio was awarded $25.4 million in federal stimulus funding Thursday for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, becoming the only state to receive such direct funding, according to the Department of Development.
    The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funding came after the state applied for assistance to help the areas of greatest need that did not apply directly to the federal agency for funding, DOD reported. The funds were awarded competitively to eligible local governments, states, and nonprofit organizations.
    Columbus, Dayton, Springfield, Toledo, the Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corp., Hamilton County, and The Community Builders, Inc. are slated to receive the funding.
   Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher said the money would help protect communities from economic risks associated with foreclosures, abandonment, and the volatile housing market.
   “However, while we appreciate the assistance to several Ohio regions, we are extremely disappointed that communities still reeling from the economic recession received no funding, including Youngstown, Canton, and Akron,” he said.
   “We commit to standing with our regional representatives and congressional delegation and are ready to work with them to advocate for the federal assistance they need,” he said.
   With today’s announcement, received a total of $175.2 million, including a direct allocation to the state, DOD said. As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Congress allocated $2 billion to the Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2.
    U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Cleveland) said the funding would help “Main Street” recover from the economic crisis.
   “By rebuilding neighborhoods devastated by the economic crisis, we will improve surrounding property values, create new jobs, and foster long-term economic growth,” he said. “By putting vacant properties and lots to good use and targeting funds to the hardest-hit communities, we can rebuild our downtowns and strengthen our communities.”
   DOD said it would allocate its funding to seven nonprofit organizations: the Community Action Partnership of the Greater Dayton Area, Community Action Commission of Fayette County, Gallia Meigs Community Action Agency, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, Neighborhood Development Services, Inc., Ohio Regional Development Corporation, and WSOS (Wood, Sandusky, Ottawa, and Seneca) Community Action Commission.