WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to revitalize local neighborhoods and provide more Rhode Islanders with safe and affordable housing, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that Cranston, East Providence, Providence, Warwick, and Woonsocket will receive over $9.6 million in federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). The CDBG program provides local municipalities with a flexible source of federal funding to address a wide range of neighborhood development needs. The money may be used for capital-improvement projects or distributed to non-profit organizations that benefit the community.

"Community Development Block Grants have been overwhelmingly successful in revitalizing neighborhoods and spurring economic development. This federal infusion of $9.6 million will help address a wide range of community development needs," said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee who fought the Bush Administration's efforts to cut the program and offered legislation to increase CDBG funding. "This funding will help support homeownership, provide social services, and improve the quality of life in communities throughout the state."

"I want to thank Senator Reed for his continued strong advocacy on behalf of Rhode Island families," said Mayor David N. Cicilline. "Community Development Block Grant funds are essential to our ongoing efforts to build strong neighborhoods, provide critically important social services and strengthen families."

The following communities will receive CDBG funding:

City Funding

Cranston $1,057,571

East Providence $793,727

Providence $5,546,149

Warwick $895,871

Woonsocket $1,314,186

Additionally, Reed announced that Providence will receive $2,426,123 through the Home Investment Partnership (HOME) program to expand the supply of decent, affordable housing to low- and very low-income families; $801,000 through the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA); $247,284 for the Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) program; and $14,974 for the new American Dream Downpayment Initiative.

Woonsocket will also receive an additional $522,070 for the HOME program and $58,505 in ESG funding to improve the quality of emergency homeless shelters.