Commissioners to request CDBG funds
WAYNESBURG – The Greene County Commissioners announced Wednesday they will submit a request for funding from the state Department of Community and Economic Development’s Community Development Block Grant program. The commissioners are expected to formally approve the 2013 CDBG application during their regular meeting today.
Last month, the commissioners conducted two public hearings to solicit funding requests. After receiving requests from several townships and citizens, they selected a request from Monongahela Township to work with East Dunkard Water Authority to improve a failing public water system and replace old water lines. The county’s CDBG application will request approval to fund this project.
In addition to the Monongahela Township water line request, the county’s CDBG program also includes:
• Sewage system installations in Alicia and Poland Mines, Monongahela Township (2010 and 2013 entitlements);
• Water lines on Yeager Run and Jay Phillips Hill roads, Wayne Township, and county-wide housing rehabilitation program (2011 entitlement);
• Water lines on Happy Valley Road, Morgan Township (2012 entitlement);
• Sewage treatment and collection system, Washington Township (2014 entitlement).
CDBG funds are to be used for local economic development needs, including housing rehabilitation, public services, community facilities, infrastructure improvement, and development and planning. Seventy percent of each grant must be used for activities that benefit low- and moderate-income individuals, and grants are allocated based on a formula.
The county expects to receive $217,813 in CDBG money, about $300 more than it was allocated last year.
Some of the projects that did not make the cut included funding to help develop housing at the former youth development center in Morgan Township, funding to assist with renovations at the Carmichaels Municipal Authority water treatment plant and a funding request from Rice Landing Borough for the second phase of its sidewalk project.