City Public Housing to Get Hundreds of Millions of Stimulus Dollars

New York, NY —

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan says the federal government will spend hundreds of millions of dollars upgrading public housing in New York City, including roof repairs and energy conservation measures.

REPORTER: Donovan made his announcement Sunday during an appearance with elected officials at the Herbert Lehman Houses in northern Manhattan.

DONOVAN: We're here today celebrating a new deal for public housing in New York and a new deal for public housing around this country.

REPORTER: The $423 million spending package comes from the economic stimulus passed by Congress earlier this year. The money will be directed to 70 capital projects throughout the boroughs that are deemed "shovel-ready." Donovan particularly stressed his commitment to fixing elevators. Public housing residents have complained for years that they are often stranded because of broken elevators.