HUD fix for China drywall questioned

The federal government says it's close to unveiling a plan to help homeowners stuck with tainted drywall from China. But a proposal on the table would tap money that's typically set aside for low-income communities. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will make an announcement soon about federal money that could be used to help remediate homes with bad drywall, according to a letter HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan sent to Florida Sen. Bill Nelson. HUD will issue guidance "making it clear that actions to remediate drywall can be eligible for assistance under the Community Development Block Grant program," Donovan wrote. This is welcome news for thousands of homeowners - most in Florida - who are grappling with problems associated with China-made drywall that emits corrosive gases. Homeowners complain the gases put off a rotten-egg stench, damage wiring and appliances and make them sick. But unless the government allocates more money for the grant program, other services would suffer, say representatives from Tampa and Hillsborough County government.

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