A $2.9 million grant was awarded Thursday to the Hope, Ark., Housing Authority to improve living conditions and solve longstanding drainage problems.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developmen announced Thursday the Emergency Disaster Grant for $2,957,100 to the Hope Housing Authority.
"It's a good thing and I'm excited about it," Hope Mayor Steve Montgomery said. "Community housing is very important."
"I want to see the fine print and what the plans are," he said.
Aging sewer lines have created health issues in the dwelling units, according to HUD's announcement.
"The housing authority has been increasingly experiencing repetitive maintenance issues that are a direct result of the aging sewer line materials and excessive soil movements due to the large amount of storm water runoff that is not being adequately directed away from the dwelling units," the announcement said.
"With most units having been constructed in 1966, the useful life of the ductile iron and vitrified clay pipe has reached its useful lifespan. Due to the risk for disease associated with the exposure of raw sewage, mold due to excessive moisture within the building envelope, and infection of viruses spread by mosquitoes, the HHA is in an emergency situation. As a result, HUD is classifying the building waste water collection system and sewer repairs and related work as emergency work because of the limited capital funding that is currently available to HHA which results in an unpreventable emergency endangering the lives and safety of the residents," said the announcement.
"This funding allows for critical repairs to improve living conditions for Hope citizens," U.S. Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) said. "I am pleased to support this investment that enables the Hope Housing Authority to continue providing safe and affordable housing."
"It's alarming that our fellow Arkansans are living in such deplorable conditions," U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said. "I applaud HUD for awarding this grant, which will allow so many families to finally live in decent homes."
Fourth Congressional District U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., also supported the grant and praised HUD.
"I am pleased HUD has awarded nearly $3 million to the Hope Housing Authority," he said.
"This is an opportunity to invest in infrastructure which will solve longstanding drainage problems and improve quality of life for citizens of the Fourth Congressional District," he said.