HUD AWARDS ANTI-DRUG GRANTS

The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development passed out more than
$10 million in drug-prevention grant money to public housing authorities in
the Chicago area Monday.

The largest share, $8.9 million, went to the Chicago Housing Authority. The
CHA will shift $3 million into its police budget. The force has been
expecting the money, and it will not rehire officers or security guards laid
off this year, Chief LeRoy O'Shield said.

About $2.6 million of the grant will fund centers that offer drug
prevention, intervention and referral services for CHA residents.

The midnight basketball leagues will get $200,000. The rest of the money
will fund youth programs such as Scouting, as well as training and
employment programs.

Among the other recipients:

The Elgin Housing Authority will get $111,540 for programs to enhance
security, prevent drug use and reimburse law enforcement.

The Aurora Housing Authority will get $197,400, with part of it going toward
new security lights and fencing; entry-door camera monitoring systems;
educational, cultural, recreational and sports activities; and drug
education, prevention and counseling programs.

The Joliet Housing Authority will get $284,782 for increased policing and
for hiring three full-time service aides to operate recreation centers.

The Waukegan Housing Authority will get $133,800, partly for increased
police and security.

Checked-by: Don Beck