U. S. Sen. Richard C. Shelby (R-Ala.) today announced a $979,025 grant for the city of Decatur through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Hope VI program. HUD’s approval of Decatur’s application is the culmination of a six-month application process. Sen. Shelby strongly supported the application.

These funds will allow the Housing Authority of the City of Decatur to demolish 105 severely distressed public housing units at the Cashin Homes public housing development.

Sen. Shelby said, “I am pleased that HUD has recognized the merits of Decatur’s application. Revitalizing this distressed area will have a positive impact on the entire Decatur community.”

The Hope VI program was developed as a result of recommendations by National Commission on Severely Distressed Public Housing, which was charged with proposing a National Action Plan to eradicate severely distressed public housing.

The Commission recommended revitalization in three general areas: physical improvements, management improvements, and social and community services to address resident needs.