San Bernardino County plans to use $22.8 million in federal funds to help the local housing market get through the foreclosure crisis.
A portion of the funds would be used to help homebuyers purchase foreclosed homes. The county also plans to fix up and sell blighted homes, and to fix up apartment complexes and make them available to low- and moderate-income residents.
The money was made available through a program approved by Congress in July. Department of Housing and Urban Development officials have notified San Bernardino County that it's eligible for $22.8 million and must apply by Dec. 1.
The Board of Supervisors signed off on its application and approved an action plan for the funds at its Tuesday meeting.
County officials expecPublish Postt to begin implementing the plan by February or March.
"Our region was one of the hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis," said 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt.
"It's incumbent upon us as local elected officials to do all we can to preserve our county's quality of life for our residents."
About 42,000 homes in the county are now in foreclosure, said Mitch Slagerman, director of community development and housing for the county.
Eight cities, including Fontana, Rialto and San Bernardino, also expect to receive funds through the federal program, with the amount they receive based on their foreclosure rates.
The county's share will be used in the unincorporated parts of the county plus 13 cities that did not get separate grants. They include Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Redlands and Yucaipa.
