HUD approves Inland Empire housing plans

Federal officials have given an official thumbs up to local officials' plans to spend millions in an effort to save foreclosed homes from decay.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced Thursday that 19 California municipalities will get a share of funds made available under a plan called the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

The program allows redevelopment officials to spend federal money, to purchase and repair foreclosed homes. he money, which totals to nearly $4 billion to be allocated from coast to coast, can also be used to help low- and moderate-income buyers purchase homes.

San Bernardino County municipalities included in HUD's announcement are:

-Fontana - $5,953,309

-Hesperia - $4,590,719

-San Bernardino - $8,408,558

-San Bernardino County - $22,758,188

HUD required local redevelopment officials to submit spending plans before funds could be disbursed.

In San Bernardino, for example, the plan shows that there are more than 3,100 foreclosed homes citywide. The plan reports that the greatest need is in within the western and central areas.

Money could be used for down payment assistance, rehabilitation of rental homes, purchase and resale of properties and demolition of blighted properties.

Carey Jenkins, director of housing and community development for the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency said officials could start making purchases in April.

"We're all hoping that we can get additional funds," Jenkins said. "It's a minimal amount when you have the number of foreclosures that we do."