El Paso and larger Texas are in line to receive up to $220 million in federal funding for a variety of COVID-19 hospital construction projects.
The money is coming primarily through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program and will target the building of medical facilities for COVID-19 testing and treatment.
By design, the funding can also be used in the acquisition of a motel or hotel to be repurposed as a COVID-19 recovery space, as well as the building of a group living facility for patients undergoing treatment.
In addition, any projects involving the replacement of HVAC systems as part of a larger process seeing the transformation of a school or commercial building into a COVID-19 treatment space will be eligible for federal funding.
Just under $72 million through HUD’s Emergency Solutions Grant program will additionally be available for the construction of emergency shelters for the homeless.
In a press release, HUD said the funding will also come along with a new guidance designed to reduce bureaucratic obstacles so that grant recipients “can quickly help their communities.”
By Garry Boulard
