Press Releases

Monroe County, PA – U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) today announced that the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Monroe received an award totaling $220,000 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Rural Development to repair and rehabilitate housing.

The Housing Preservation Grant will support households with health and safety hazards, increase energy efficiency, correct code violations and/or improve access for persons with disabilities. The Redevelopment Authority will repair 36 homes for very low-income homeowners throughout Monroe County.

“This type of funding is a lifeline for some families, ensuring that our most vulnerable are provided the resources they need to feel safe and be able to stay in their homes,” said Rep. Cartwright. “I commend Martha A. Robbins and her team at the Redevelopment Authority for receiving this highly competitive award. The hard work and investments being made in your communities have a direct positive impact and make a significant difference to all in Monroe County.

“Preserving our housing stock has never been more important and the federal award of $220,000 to our County will allow our agency to continue to provide a safe place to call “home” to our community’s most vulnerable citizens.  The Housing Preservation Grant has always been proven to provide another layer of funding to the Monroe County’s Housing Rehabilitation Program.  The vital support we received from our County Commissioners to leverage their FY 2018 and FY 2019 CDBG program and the federal award of the $220,000 will give us that flexibility to focus heavily on the preservation, maintenance and improvement to the housing stock that already exists in our community.” said Martha A. Robbins, Executive Director, Redevelopment Authority of the County of Monroe.

USDA Rural Development Pennsylvania State Director Bob Morgan was glad to see the grant funds getting into the hands of organizations in Pennsylvania that have proven their value. “When it comes to ensuring equity in rural Pennsylvania, these organizations have a proven track record,” Morgan said. “I am pleased we are able to make a difference by continuing to expand opportunities in rural Pennsylvania.”

The investments are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensure that people living in rural communities have equitable access to the infrastructure and opportunities often taken for granted.