Reasoning: Restrictions on the scope of work that can be funded by the HRG sometimes result in leaving the homes of people of very limited financial means in an unoccupiable condition. For instance, the bathroom plumbing is roughed-in, but there are no toilets, tubs, or sinks. The kitchen plumbing might be roughed-in but there is no floor covering and no sink. If such buildings cannot be inhabited, they are likely to deteriorate over time, in which case the HRG grant-supported work would be lost. To avoid that loss, a modification in the sorts of work that are covered by the HRG is proposed, as follows:
Exceptions for:
A. Grantees who own property in an area that serves very low-income residents and who are not financially able to pay for the work necessary to make the buildings habitable.B. Non-Profit organizations which are not financially able to pay for the work necessary to restore to a state of utility a building being rehabilitated for their own use or other public benefit. 1. Underlying Conditions: Repair of underlying conditions not caused by the storm but the repair of which is: a. Necessary to make the building habitable and the property owner is not financially able to undertake the work.
2. Building Fabric: a. Repair of non-historic fabric: i. Including purchase and installation of basic-level built-in kitchen, mechanical and electrical systems and fixtures (not appliances), such as toilets, sinks, wall switches, ceiling light fixtures, switch plates, etc.b. Finish of Building Fabric: i. Paint on the exterior of the building.ii. Floors finished to a point of utility. Finishing may include laying floor coverings in the kitchen or bath and refinishing wood floors with clear varnish or paint.iii. Wall and ceiling surfaces made ready for paint or other finish.Miss. Code §§ 25-59-1, 39-7-1 (1972, as amended).