HUD funds public housing improvements

PROVIDENCE - Twenty-five Rhode Island housing authorities received a total of $12.5 million July 12 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for large-scale improvements through the department’s Capital Fund Program.

The Providence Housing Authority received the most — $3,544,262 — and housing authorities in Newport, Pawtucket and Woonsocket were also granted more than $1 million each.

The national program awarded $1.9 billion total this year, but a report released June 24 by HUD, entitled "Capital Needs in the Public Housing Program," revealed that the country’s 1.2 million public housing units need around $25.6 billion worth of large-scale repairs.

"While this funding will certainly help housing authorities address long-standing capital improvements, it only scratches the surface in addressing the deep backlog we're seeing across the country," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan in a statement.

The number of public housing units decrease by 0.5 percent to 1 percent per year as units fall into disrepair and become unlivable, HUD said.

Large-scale improvements include measures that make homes livable and economically sustainable, such as roof replacements, plumbing and electrical updates, lead treatment and accessibility for disabled people.

On top of long-term needs, public housing requires another $3.4 billion — around $3,155 per unit — in routine maintenance every year, according to the June study.

The study was based on a sample of 116 housing authorities, including Providence.

HUD is requesting $200 million for fiscal 2012 to fund programs aimed at improving and repairing 225,000 public housing units. If granted, the money could generate $6.1 billion in private funds and create more than 60,000 jobs, according to the department.