WASHINGTON, DC (RealEstateRama) July 11, 2008 – U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today announced that the Appropriations Committee has approved legislation including $4.7 million in funding for Rhode Island transportation, housing, and infrastructure improvement initiatives they requested as part of the 2009 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) spending bill.  The bill also includes $3.15 million that Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, secured for key programs throughout the state. more »

Warwick, R.I. - July 23, 2008 - Congressman Jim Langevin today again voiced his support for housing legislation that is designed to keep families in their homes and stabilize the housing market. Today’s legislation builds upon a similar bill passed by the House in May and now includes compromise language negotiated with the Senate, in addition to provisions creating an independent agency to regulate Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Bank System, and providing authority to the Treasury Department in the event federal financial intervention is required to stabilize the institutions. more »

BOSTON — The Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (the Bank) awarded nearly $2.2 million as a grant, loan, and rate subsidy to fund 16 units of affordable rental housing in Providence. Of that amount, nearly $800,000 is in the form of a grant and subsidy. In all, 28 initiatives received more than $17.5 million in grants, loans, and rate subsidies as part of the Bank’s Affordable Housing Program (AHP) to create or preserve 445 rental and ownership units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families. more »

WASHINGTON, DC — In an effort to continue the redevelopment of the former Tonomy Hill public housing project, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the Newport Housing Authority (NHA) will receive over $1.2 million for 90 rental vouchers to provide affordable housing for low-income families.  Tonomy Hill is a mixed-income community in Newport’s North End known as Newport Heights.  This funding is part of the fifth and final phase of redevelopment.  It will be awarded through the Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE VI) program, which provides federal grants to restore dilapidated public housing units and revitalize distressed low-income neighborhoods. more »

WASHINGTON, DC -May 20, 2008 - The Senate Banking Committee today gave its stamp of approval to the Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act of 2008.  This legislation will create and permanently fund a program to build and preserve affordable housing; allow an estimated 500,000 families to refinance into 30 year fixed mortgages with FHA mortgage insurance without placing any burden on taxpayers; and strengthen the oversight and regulation of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. more »

Warwick, R.I. - May 7, 2008 - Congressman Jim Langevin today introduced the Homeland Security Network Defense and Accountability Act of 2008 (H.R. 5983), a bill designed to improve the cybersecurity posture of the Department of Homeland Security. more »

WASHINGTON, DC - May 5, 2008 - In an effort to help ensure that Rhode Island’s struggling veterans have access to safe, sanitary, and affordable housing, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), today announced that the Providence Housing Authority (PHA) will receive $266,713 in federal funding to provide approximately 35 homeless veterans with permanent supportive housing. more »

Warwick, R.I. - Congressman Jim Langevin, in conjunction with Rhode Island Housing, will host a Foreclosure Counseling Workshop at the Community College of Rhode Island Liston Campus on Saturday, May 3. This free, public workshop is an opportunity for homeowners who are having trouble paying their mortgage to meet with trained counselors from the Rhode Island Housing HelpCenter. more »

WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to give more Rhode Islanders access to safe and affordable housing, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Banking Committee, which oversees federal housing policy, today announced that the state will receive a total of $10,466,846 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  more »

Warwick, R.I. - April 3, 2008 - Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today introduced an amendment to H.R. 4847 – the U.S. Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008. His amendment encourages the installation of fire sprinklers in commercial buildings and supports educational programs about residential sprinkler installation. The amendment passed by a voice vote. more »