West Covina, CA — (RealEstateRama) — Rep. Grace F. Napolitano announced the City of West Covina was found by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to be carrying out the use of its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program grants in a timely manner.
“I would like to congratulate the City of West Covina on their efforts to work through this issue with HUD,” Napolitano said. “HUD was concerned over the timely use of anti-poverty grant funds, and the city could have been at risk of losing them. However, the federal agency failed to take into consideration the time it takes to complete project designs, go to bid on construction, and then complete the projects. We were glad to communicate this information to HUD Secretary Julian Castro to ensure that the city was able to keep and use these critical funds.”
The City of West Covina asked Napolitano for assistance when the city’s CDBG program grants were expiring in May. Napolitano contacted Secretary Castro to request a 60-day extension. After conducting a review in July, HUD deemed the city to be utilizing funds in a timely manner and in early August was allowed to retain their grants and utilize funds.
“The City of West Covina is appreciative of Congresswoman Napolitano’s efforts to help preserve our Community Development Block Grant Funds administered by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development,” stated West Covina Mayor James Toma. “The City uses these funds to provide essential services for our seniors, local food banks, homeless services, removing barriers for disabled individuals, and much more.”
One of Napolitano’s chief responsibilities is to assist residents and cities when dealing with federal agencies – this assistance is referred to as casework. Her casework staff is ready and willing to help cut through “red tape” and secure services and benefits paid for by tax dollars. For assistance call Napolitano’s El Monte office at 626-350-0150 or visit napolitano.house.gov/serving-you.
