[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 135 (Thursday, September 26, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S11447]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         NAHRO AWARDS OF MERIT

 Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, each year the National 
Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) honors low-
income housing and community development agencies nationwide through 
the NAHRO Agency Awards of Merit in Housing and Community Development. 
This awards program recognizes the efforts of agencies that have 
demonstrated a clear commitment and ability to address the unique and 
special needs of their communities. I would like to take a moment to 
recognize the three recipients of this award from the State of Oregon 
for their dedicated efforts.
  The first Oregon recipient is the Housing Authority of Washington 
County for their Claire Court project. Recently purchased and renovated 
by the Authority, Claire Court is an apartment residence that was built 
in 1945 with a substantial amount of war surplus materials. While the 
housing complex had an excellent framework, the extensive use of lead-
base paint, asbestos insulation, and outdated plumbing and wiring had 
created a significant hazard for residents. The renovation of Claire 
Court not only removed and replaced hazardous materials with safe, 
energy-efficient products, but also maintained neighborhood 
architecture and adapted two of the eight units to ADA and UFAS 
accessible living standards.
  The Housing Authority of Portland, for the Fairview Oaks and Woods 
Interpretive Nature Trail, is the second Oregon recipient of the NAHRO 
Award of Merit. This 3,000-foot trail was created as a part of the new 
328-unit Fairview Oaks and Fairview Woods housing complex, and utilized 
the cooperative efforts of high school students, apartment residents, 
and other local agencies. The interpretive nature trail, which features 
detailed markings and is handicapped accessible, serves as an excellent 
example of an innovative solution to balancing the growing need for 
affordable housing, while also preserving natural wildlife areas.
  The final award recipient from Oregon is the Housing Authority of the 
City of Salem for their Family Stabilization Program. While many 
agencies of this kind are successful in helping individuals in the 
community, the Salem Housing Authority devised this program in an 
attempt to bring community providers together and transfer their 
success with individuals into success for their families as well. The 
Family Stabilization Program has helped coordinate the efforts of 
programs dealing in drug prevention, family self-sufficiency, and 
parenting--among others--and has resulted in increased participation by 
families in all areas.
  The State of Oregon is truly fortunate to have such dedicated and 
innovative housing and community development agencies working in our 
communities. I am honored to recognize these groups for their efforts, 
and to congratulate them on receiving the NAHRO Award of Merit.

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