BOSTON (AP) – Bank of America announced Monday it would expand an affordable lending program, saying it would expand the program to $6 billion nationally and help tens of thousands of low- and moderate-income people borrow money at affordable rates.

Charlotte, N.C.-Bank of America, which is acquiring FleetBoston Financial Corp., said last week it would invest $750 billion in community lending over the coming decade, including $100 billion in areas served by Boston-based FleetBoston. The latest program, targeting aspiring homeowners, extends a previous $3 billion commitment from Bank of America to the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, or NACA. The non-profit housing services and community advocacy organization was founded in Boston, and helps low-income families qualify for mortgages.

The two banks face a public hearings this week where officials are expected to face questions about community commitments.

Some lawmakers and community activists in Boston have said they are skeptical of the merger.

“I think Ken’s presence and numbers like $750 billion, which we can’t really fathom, and $6 billion with NACA should show very tangibly that (FleetBoston’s community) commitment is going to continue from the very highest office in the new Bank of America,” FleetBoston CEO Chad Gifford said.

AP-ES-01-12-04 1833EST