Hudson County and several of its communities have been awarded a total of nearly $17 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help redevelop neighborhoods, expand access affordable housing and provide services for low-income families, Sens. Bob Menendez and Cory Booker announced.

The funding, part of $140 million across the state, is coming from the HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development in the form of four grant opportunities: The Community Development Block (CDBG) Grant, the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), the HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program.

“As a former mayor, I recognize the importance of investing in our communities, spurring economic developments and job creation and providing residents with safe, affordable housing and services that low-income individuals and families rely on to overcome obstacles and fulfill their potential,” said Menendez, the ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development.

“While this administration works to eliminate vital housing and community development programs, I will continue to fight for these critical federal investments to ensure New Jersey’s communities can provide and expand economic opportunities for their residents.”

CDBG funding will go to Bayonne ($1,533,452), Hoboken ($1,062,187), Jersey City ($5,558,690), North Bergen ($618,614), Union City ($1,019,605) and Hudson County ($1,991,330).

HOME funding will go to Jersey City ($1,925,273) and Hudson County ($2,507,371); ESG funding will go to Jersey City ($475,087) and Hudson County ($166,963); and HOPWA funding will go to Jersey City ($2,411,528).

“During my time as a housing advocate and later as the Mayor of Newark, I saw firsthand the challenges that families face when trying to find a decent place to live, and how access to safe and affordable housing can transform people’s lives,” Booker said. “Federal investments like these are crucial to lifting up our communities and creating long-lasting change for all New Jerseyans.”

Last week Booker and Menendez announced that Hudson County communities have been awarded $19 million in federal grants for public housing.