SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND URGE FEDS TO EXTEND DEADLINE FOR COMPLETION OF BUFFALO HOUSING PROJECTS; UNFORSEEN CHALLENGES AND NEW HUD RULES HAVE DELAYED CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE – FAILURE TO GRANT EXTENSION PUTS VITAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS IN JEOPARDY

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today urged the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to extend the HOME Investment Partnership Program expenditure period for the City of Buffalo. Schumer and Gillibrand said that the program is set to expire June 30, 2015 but should be extended for eight months, until February 29, 2016, due to the fact that many projects were delayed by unforeseen circumstances. Schumer and Gillibrand explained that the funds to finance numerous community projects were authorized through the HOME Program in FY 2010 and included the construction, purchase, and rehabilitation of several affordable housing projects.