OXNARD : Federal Housing Repair Grant Sought

The Oxnard City Council on Tuesday applied for a $200,000 grant from the federal government to beef up its rental-rehabilitation program for low- and medium-income apartments and houses.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has already set aside the funds to reward Oxnard for its program, Housing Director Sal Gonzalez said.

The grant would allow 15 homeowners on a city waiting list to refurbish their living quarters, Gonzalez said. Under the federal program, homeowners who apply for rehabilitation grants must supply matching funds.

The city has received more than $750,000 from HUD for its rental rehabilitation program since 1984, when the program began, Gonzalez said. Several dozen homeowners have benefited from the program so far, he said.