Policy and purpose.

It is the policy of this state to provide a necessary means to prevent the deterioration of housing, the decline of neighborhoods and surrounding areas, and the inefficient use of energy and environmental resources associated with such deterioration and decline. The purpose of ss. 420.421-420.429 is to assist local governments in participating in a cooperative program with the private sector to deliver effective and continuing support to declining neighborhoods in order to reverse that decline and restore the health and vitality of such neighborhoods. The Legislature, therefore, declares that the rehabilitation of housing to facilitate the preservation and revitalization of neighborhoods, the development of healthy, safe, and viable communities in this state, and all the purposes of ss. 420.421-420.429 are public purposes for which public money may be borrowed, expended, loaned, and granted.