DES MOINES (AP) - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has released more than $9.5 million to seven Iowa communities.

Republican Senator Charles Grassley says the funds will help residents promote affordable housing to low and moderate income families.

Democrat Tom Harkin says that while the funding is not all tied to flooding, it comes at a key time for Iowa communities.

Among other projects, Ames will receive $479,660, Cedar Rapids will receive more than $1.6 million, Davenport $1.7 million, Sioux City more than $1.8 million, Waterloo more than $1.9 million and West Des Moines $230,292.