Senator Collins Announces More Than $6.6 Million to Support Affordable Housing Efforts in Maine Amid COVID-19

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the State of Maine has received a total of $6,678,216 in the third installment of funding to support affordable housing, assistance to businesses and bolster COVID-19 prevention and response efforts throughout the state.  This funding, awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), was allocated through a section of the CARES Act that Senator Collins co-authored directing $48.5 billion to support housing and transportation programs. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic is taking an unprecedented toll on communities. Maine’s state agencies and local governments are working hard to provide seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families with safe and affordable homes that promote their health, independence, and overall wellbeing,” said Senator Collins.  “As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I worked hard to secure these vital resources to help Maine continue to provide critical assistance during this difficult time.”

The funding will be allocated as follows:

·         Auburn received $137,932

·         Bangor received $283,175

·         Biddeford received $126,650

·         Lewiston received $193,379

·         Portland received $634,669

·         Cumberland County received $976,929

·         Maine received $4,325,482

As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins helped to secure more than $16.5 million in the first installment and more than $4.3 million in the second installment of CARES Act funding to support affordable housing efforts throughout Maine.

The funding was awarded through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.  The CDBG program provides grants to states and local units of government to support housing and expand economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.  These grants can also be used in coordination with local health authorities to respond to COVID-19.  

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