Congressman Lloyd Doggett Announces Rapid Local Relief Amid Pandemic

Washington, D.C. – Today, amid broadening economic hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, announces over $8 million in federal funding for housing support in Central Texas and over $110 million for public transportation in this crisis.

This local funding comes through the CARES Act—the recently-passed coronavirus relief package—for Central Texas: $4.62 million for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for Austin, $700,683 for Travis County, and $425,261 for San Marcos; $2.35 million for the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program for Austin; and $272,065 for the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program for Austin.

The CARES Act also secured robust funding for public transportation; Rep. Doggett announces over $104 million for Austin public transportation funding and over $6 million for San Marcos.

“While my first priority remains trying to speed up urgently-needed help for those suddenly jobless or struggling to keep a small business afloat,” Congressman Doggett said, “our new coronavirus relief legislation is also delivering resources for vital housing, transportation and other local public needs. City and county leaders can determine how best to apply these dollars to meet our many community challenges. Essential social distancing will not slow our working together. We will endure this storm.”

“Like the Calvary coming over the hill,“ Mayor Steve Adler said, “the good news that Congressman Doggett and Congress are delivering federal funds for Austin and those hit hardest is much needed real action and concrete support.”

“The Housing Authority of the City of Austin, and all who provide low-income housing and rental assistance, deeply appreciate this help,” said Michael Gerber, CEO for the Housing Authority of the City of Austin. “The Congressman’s work on the CARES Act is a great start in meeting some of our needs resulting from COVID-19. I know we can count on his continued help, since the hard reality is that we will need more resources as this pandemic unfolds.”

Housing Funding:

Public Transportation Funding:

Details on Housing Funding:

-         The Community CDBG program provides resources to support economic development projects, support home ownership, and more.

-         Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program provides emergency housing grants during this COVID-19 crisis. It focuses on homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing, and related services to meet those with severe housing insecurity needs.

-         HOPWA program provides housing for people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and their families. This can include nutritional services, job training, and mental health care.

Details on Public Transportation Funding:

-         Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds will go to maintain essential transportation services, enhanced cleaning, and to avoid excessive layoffs.

-         The funds listed above will be distributed with no local match required.

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