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Hillsborough County Makes HUD Deadline

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By MIKE SALINERO

msalinero@tampatrib.com

Published: November 12, 2008

TAMPA - A year ago, Hillsborough County's Affordable Housing Office lost $2 million in federal money for not committing the funds to eligible projects in time.

This year, the county made its Oct. 31 deadline, committing roughly $3.8 million during the past six months to projects eligible under the federal HOME program.

HOME money is used to build and renovate affordable-housing projects, including single-family housing and apartments, and for down-payment assistance for first-time homebuyers. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Gary Causey, director of community planning and development at HUD's Jacksonville office, said the county faced a "significant challenge" because of changes in how the federal agency determines compliance in guidelines for projects.

After the county lost $2 million in affordable housing money last year, HUD threatened to take back $800,000 this year that was spent to renovate three apartment complexes in North Tampa. The county had relinquished control of the apartments several years ago without guaranteeing that the apartments would continue to provide 55 low-cost rental units for needy families for at least 20 years, as required by HUD guidelines.

As late as April, Causey had written a letter to the county saying the Affordable Housing Office had not done enough to straighten out problems in meeting deadlines for committing federal money.

Bill Armstrong, who was appointed temporary director of the Affordable Housing Office in April, said the staff worked long hours and collaborated with HUD to make sure projects being considered were likely to be approved.

"We were in the cross hairs for that $3 million," Armstrong said. "If we failed to commit it, we would be where we were last year."

Reporter Mike Salinero can be reached at (813) 259-8303.

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