Governor Warner Announces $10.7 Million in Grants to Improve 18 Distressed Communities
Governor Warner Announces $10.7 Million in Grants to Improve 18 Distressed Communities
Grants will serve more than 4,600 Virginians with improved housing, public infrastructure, and health clinics
SOUTH BOSTON - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced more than $10.7 million in 2005 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) offers to 18 Virginia localities. The grants will serve more than 4,600 Virginians by eliminating substandard housing, providing public water and sewer systems, and funding two rural health clinics. The majority of those served by the grants are low- to moderate-income citizens.
"A good, solid roof over your head and clean running water in the sink are not trivial needs, and this is not a trivial program," said Governor Warner. "The CDBG program brings real results to people. For distressed communities and families facing extreme poverty, the program offers a chance for a better life."
Governor Warner announced the grants at the Mizpah Presbyterian Church in South Boston. The church, a destination along the Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail, is the center of the Church Hill community, which is slated to receive $1.2 million in CDBG funds to rehabilitate 20 homes, revitalize businesses, and make community improvements.
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers CDBG funds for the state. Virginia receives up to $22 million annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the CDBG program. DHCD allocates the funds on a competitive basis to eligible non-metropolitan cities, counties, and towns. In accordance with federal law, the majority of CDBG projects benefit low- and moderate-income persons.
Fourteen of the 18 approved projects will create new or rehabilitate housing to ensure safe and affordable housing options for approximately 440 low- and moderate-income households.
"Our agency is committed to working in the neediest areas of Virginia to eliminate substandard housing and improve the overall quality of life," said Bill Shelton, DHCD Director. "DHCD is proud to offer these grants which will significantly impact the lives of hundreds of low-income families throughout Virginia."
Details of the grant award projects and amounts are listed below. For more information about the CDBG program contact DHCD at (804) 371-7000 or visit www.dhcd.virginia.gov.
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/Jun05/0608.htm