By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

Six area public housing authorities were among several hundred nationwide to receive a slice of $1.9 billion in federal U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funds, which can be allocated for major improvements and renovations to properties in their respective portfolios.

"While this funding will certainly help housing authorities address long-standing capital improvements, it only scratches the surface in addressing the deep backlog we've seen across the country," HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said in a statement.

The money can be used for such things as new roofs or energy-efficiency upgrades.

Public housing authorities in New York state collectively received $326.13 million.

Local authorities that benefited from the allocation are:

• Batavia Housing Authority, $201,362.

• Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority, $9,383,452.

• Jamestown Housing Authority, $232,027.

• Kenmore Municipal Housing Authority, $210,566.

• Lackawanna Municipal Housing Authority, $875,393.

• Lockport Housing Authority, $482,535.