The Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) recommends Council approval of an Ordinance authorizing the submission of required application materials to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for a Community Project Funding (CPF)/Congressionally Directed Spending award of $573,300.00 under the HUD Economic Development Initiative; and the execution of associated grant agreements between HUD and the City of Houston and related forms and documents by the Mayor, or the Mayor’s designee.
In the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 (Public Law 118-42), the U.S. Congress made CPF awards available, and projects were identified in the annual appropriations legislation. HCD will manage the FY24 CPF grant award to the City for the following project specified in the legislation.
Rasmus Park Heritage House:
Rasmus Park, a historic meeting house located at 3721 Jeanetta St., Houston, TX 77063 and named for civil rights-era leader Walter J. Rasmus Sr., was demolished. This project will fund the construction of a Heritage home in the spirit of this original meeting house. The new Walter J. Rasmus Heritage House will be open to the public for neighborhood functions on a reservation basis. The home's construction in this historic park will represent African Americans' diversity and cultural contributions, provide educational opportunities for the community, and serve as a historic landmark for cultural pride.
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Rasmus Park Heritage House:
$573,300.00
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Community Project Funding
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Non-Community Project Funding
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Total Project Costs
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Construction, Renovation, & Rehabilitation
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$ 487,305.00
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$500,000.00
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$ 987,305.00
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Administration
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$ 85,995.00
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$0.00
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$ 85,995.00
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Total
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$ 573,300.00
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$ 500,000.00
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$ 1,073,300.00
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The Non-Community Project Funding listed in the above table will utilize $250,000.00 of funds from the Parks & Recreation Dedication Fund and $250,000.00 from the Contributed Capital Project Fund. The date HUD signs the grant agreement will be the start date for the grant period of performance and the budget period. Fiscal Year 2024 CPF grant awards must be spent by August 31, 2032.
This item is a procedural, administrative matter for the City to apply for and receive the funds awarded. The scope and any additional funding required for this project have not been finalized. After the grant agreement is executed and partner organizations are selected, contracts or agreements related to these grant awards will be presented to the City Council.
Fiscal Notes:
No fiscal note is required for grant items.
Funding for this item is included in the FY2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan. Therefore, no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policies.
This item was reviewed and approved by the Housing and Affordability Committee on October 15, 2024.
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Michael Nichols, Director