Congressman Chris Smith, R-Hamilton, announced today the delivery of nearly $5 million in federal aid to Ocean County and the municipalities of Brick and Lakewood.

    The money comes in the form of Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds for Ocean County and in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for Brick, Lakewood, and the county.

    “This critical federal support helps local community leaders address local needs – such as neighborhood revitalization projects, infrastructure improvements, and economic development initiatives.  This money is often used to leverage additional funds to create an economic climate that stimulates business and creates jobs,” Smith said.

    CDBG and HOME funds can be used for a variety of activities, including the creation of affordable housing, economic and community development activities, public infrastructure improvements, and technical and planning assistance.  CDBG and Home grants are distributed to local communities through the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

    The funding Smith announced includes:

    • $1,731,000 in CDBG funding for Ocean County 
    • $1,476,164 in HOME funding for Ocean County 
    • $449,000 in CDBG funding for Brick Township 
    • $956,000 in CDBG funding for Lakewood Township

    “These direct federal grants provide important seed money that can be combined with other federal, state, and local resources to help revitalize neighborhoods, spur job development, and provide other useful public services,” Smith said.  The money will help our county and municipalities continue to meet the needs of our residents.”

    The CDBG program, which gives local governments a great deal of autonomy over the funds they receive, was created in 1974.  The HOME program, which has created more than a half million affordable housing units in he last 10 years, was established in 1992.