The Denver Housing Authority will receive a $30 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to improve housing and increase business opportunities and job possibilities in Sun Valley, Sen. Cory Gardner’s office announced Wednesday.
In a prepared statement, Gardner said he was “thrilled.”
The Denver Housing Authority, named a grant finalist in September, plans to build 750 mixed-use housing units with a portion of the funds.
“Whether itap the 750 new housing units or the increase in access to quality jobs and education, we will see tangible benefits for individuals and families in this community as a result of this grant. I was proud to support this project and I look forward to seeing the results,” Gardner said.
Denver was one of five finalists for the grant along with Boston, St. Louis, Camden, N.J., and Louisville, Ky. It was believed that four of the five finalists each would receive around $30 million. Gardner’s office worked with Mayor Michael Hancock and the Denver Housing Authority to lobby on behalf of the Sun Valley projects.
“Denver and its partners are excited to have been selected to receive this grant. As Sun Valley has the highest rate of poverty in the city, this will be a huge boost to our efforts to uplift the residents in this neighborhood,” mayor’s office spokeswoman Jenna Espinoza said.
Sun Valley is south of Sports Authority Field at Mile High between the South Platte River and Federal Boulevard. About 83 percent of area residents live below the poverty line.
Community leaders have focused attention on the neighborhood in recent years and it was awarded a in 2013. and it also received to provide better access to mental health care and take steps to reduce crime.
HUD and Denver Housing Authority officials declined to comment prior to a public announcement about the grant, expected Monday.
