The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the allocation of nearly $12 billion in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to aid communities across 24 states and territories affected by disasters. HUD also released a Universal Notice for implementing these funds.
HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman, alongside Governor Josh Stein, revealed the allocation in Asheville, North Carolina. The state will receive over $1.6 billion to assist with recovery from Hurricane Helene, including $225 million for Asheville and $1.2 billion for statewide disaster-impacted areas. "Over the last two years, too many communities have been impacted by devastating disasters – damaging homes, destroying infrastructure, and stretching local capacity to recover," said Todman.
The new Universal Notice aims to enhance the administration of CDBG-DR by incorporating feedback from various stakeholders. In 2022, HUD requested public input on CDBG-DR rules, receiving over 700 comments on improving disaster recovery processes.
Senator Patty Murray emphasized the importance of this funding: "This funding will help rebuild homes for families in dire need, help rebuild schools so kids can learn, help small businesses reopen their doors, and help repair critical infrastructure that communities everywhere count on each and every day." Senator Brian Schatz highlighted CDBG-DR's role as a lifeline for communities recovering from disasters.
This allocation allows 47 grantees—comprising states, counties, cities, and one territory—to recover from weather-related disasters. CDBG-DR funds are dedicated to rebuilding affordable housing, strengthening infrastructure resilience, supporting economic revitalization efforts like job creation and business assistance, and implementing disaster mitigation measures.
"The Universal Notice published today reflects the input of communities and professionals who have been through the process of recovery," said Marion McFadden of HUD's Community Planning and Development office.
Until Congress permanently authorizes the CDBG-DR program, the Universal Notice provides consistent guidance for disaster recovery efforts. It incorporates public recommendations aimed at improving outcomes for survivors while reducing administrative burdens on grantees.
HUD continues its collaboration with FEMA on initiatives like the Pre-Disaster Housing Initiative. A series of webinars will guide grantees through developing their CDBG-DR Action Plans using an Action Plan Template provided by HUD.
By increasing coordination and reducing bureaucracy in disaster recovery efforts, HUD aims to expedite getting necessary funding to affected communities more efficiently.
