HUD awards grant to KSA to help rebuild Gulf Coast
Innovative new program taps into expertise of KSA faculty and students
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development announced seven universities will receive over $2 million through an innovative new program that draws on the expertise of these centers for higher learning to help rebuild communities throughout the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast. The funding is provided through HUD's new Universities Rebuilding America Partnership (URAP) initiative. The Ohio State University’s Knowlton School of Architecture will receive a grant in the amount of $266,741.
The grant will fund the continuation of OSU’s efforts over the next two years. Beginning in December 2005, Assistant Professor of City and Regional Planning Jennifer Evans-Cowley has worked with a group of 12 students and three planning professionals to provide community planning assistance to Harrison County, Mississippi. “This grant is a wonderful learning opportunity for the students, while benefiting Harrison County in the rebuilding process,” Evans-Cowley said.
Future projects will include the creation of additional community plans, revising the County’s zoning ordinance, and assisting communities with implementing strategies for rebuilding.
HUD's URAP initiative was created through an existing design program that benefited schools of architecture and planning. Seven grants will assist other schools for community design and planning. Working with local, state and national organizations, URAP will provide an opportunity for groups of college and university students, faculty and staff to develop creative solutions to respond to the disaster.
HUD Secretary Alphanso Jackson said the funding is designed to tap into young, bright minds to help devastated Gulf Coast communities to rebuild.
More information about OSU’s efforts in Harrison County can be found at http://www.co.harrison.ms.us/departments/zoning/downloads.asp
Posted: 3/8/2006