Gov. McDonnell Announces $12 Million in Block Grant Funding
June 24, 2010
City of Martinsville will get $691,325 for Uptown Martinsville Business District Revitalization. Announcement was made on June 23, 2010
Governor McDonnell Announces More Than $12 Million in Community Development Block Grant Funding
– More than 5,100 Virginians will benefit from improved medical services, housing, water and wastewater treatment, as well as improved educational opportunities and downtown revitalization -
RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced more than $12 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for 24 projects in Virginia. The grants, awarded through a competitive application process, will provide funding for community and economic development projects such as downtown and economic revitalization, broadband deployment, healthcare, and improved housing and wastewater treatment.
“The Community Development Block Grant program has long provided funding for projects improving the quality of life for thousands of Virginians each year,� said Governor McDonnell. “Through these grants more than 5,100 individuals will see improved housing conditions, access to medical care and educational opportunities – and more Virginia communities will see revitalization and creation of jobs.�
From the 24 approved projects, 15 focus on improved housing and wastewater treatment, six are focused on downtown and economic revitalization, while others focus on improved access to education and training, broadband connectivity and the renovation of an existing facility in Nelson County that will provide services to 3,000 individuals annually – 2,400 of whom will be low-to-moderate income.
“Through these funds several Virginia localities will receive aid in the revitalization of their central business districts,� said McDonnell. “Façade and streetscape improvements will address blighting conditions. Paired with the small business loan pool made available through these grants they will help revitalize the economies of these communities and bring new jobs, tourists, and events to the area.�
Since 1982, the federally-funded CDBG program has been administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and Virginia receives up to $21 million annually for this “small cities� grant program. CDBG grants are awarded through a competitive process. Most projects benefit low- and moderate-income individuals, and many projects are targeted for the prevention or elimination of blighting conditions.
Several projects are noted as either Multi-Year or Letter-of-Intent projects. Multi-year projects are those that receive a contract allocating a portion of the funds this year and, after achieving specific performance targets, are eligible for additional funding. Letter-of-Intent projects are those which will be awarded after the locality meets specific targets.
“Our goal is to create better communities in which to live, work and do business in Virginia,� said DHCD Director Bill Shelton. “Through CDBG funds, we have the tools in place to address housing, economic development, health, safety and other unique needs of each community.�
