Feds approve additional housing aid for Fla.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ Floridians who are struggling to make mortgage payments are getting additional help from the federal government's Innovation Fund for the Hardest Hit Housing Markets.

The Treasury Department this week approved a plan by the Florida Housing Finance Corp. to redirect $239 million in previously approved foreclosure-prevention assistance expand options for unemployed workers.

Treasury also announced the state housing agency is getting $401 million more in Hardest Hit money to expand the reach of its programs.

Assistant Treasury Secretary Herb Allison said the aid is being targeted to areas and states such as Florida, where unemployment and steep home price declines have been concentrated.