John W. Olver: “Mr. Chairman, to address the serious shortage of suitable housing for frail, low-income seniors, the fiscal year 2000…”

“Mr. Chairman, to address the serious shortage of suitable housing for frail, low-income seniors, the fiscal year 2000 VA-HUD bill included authorizing language to provide a pilot program for up to three grants for the conversion of unused or underutilized commercial property into assisted living facilities for the elderly. Unfortunately, in that year the appropriation language did not allow HUD to issue a NOFA to implement the authorizing language. In fiscal year 2001, the necessary appropriation language was included in the VA-HUD bill, and $7.5 million of Section 202 funds were made available to provide for the pilot program of grants for the conversion of unused or underutilized commercial property into assisted living facilities. Yet, upon issuance of the NOFA, HUD rejected all applications for these grants. Mr. Chairman, the bill before us today has again appropriated funds for the conversion of eligible assisted living projects.”