Stimulus fund will help Salt Lake County housing

Two new stimulus grants totaling about $1.7 million will help Salt Lake County keep financially distressed families in their homes and build infrastructure in low-income neighborhoods.

The grants, distributed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development from funds made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will provide medium and long-term rental assistance and housing stabilization services to the newly homeless or those under threat of becoming homeless. Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon said the money slated for housing issues, more than $1 million, will go a long way toward easing the burden on residents in fear of ending up on the streets.

"Just a little bit of financial assistance can make all the difference between a stable home or becoming homeless," Corroon said. "We are working with the state and Salt Lake City to coordinate the program and related services to make it easier for those needing help."

The second grant of almost $700,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding will build new sidewalks, access ramps and make street improvements in communities identified by HUD as high-need. They include Midvale, Murray, South Salt Lake and Magna.

The new funds, anticipated to be available by the end of September, must be used for programs and projects within three years.

— Arthur Raymond