COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FACT SHEET
How can I learn more about the CDBG program? Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend one of the public meetings listed below. County staff will explain eligibility guidelines, application procedures, program regulations, and project implementation. Discussion is tailored to address issues and concerns surrounding the project ideas presented by those in attendance. Public meetings in 2011 will be held as follows:
· Penn Township Building - October 24 – 7:00 pm (Monday)
· Mill Creek Borough Building - November 16 - 7:00 pm (Wednesday)
· Huntingdon County Courthouse Annex I - Dec 6 - 5:00 pm (Thurs.)
What is the purpose of the CDBG program? The principal goal of the CDBG program is to benefit low and moderate income persons through community conservation and stimulation of economic development.
Who may apply? All Huntingdon County municipalities, municipal authorities, and non-profit agencies are eligible to request funding through Huntingdon County's CDBG Entitlement Program for funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, except for Huntingdon Borough and Smithfield Township, which receive entitlement funds directly from the Commonwealth.
What types of projects are eligible?
Eligible activities must fall under one of the following categories.
1. Acquisition or sale of real property
2. Public facility acquisition or improvement
(i.e., water, stormwater and sewer systems; senior and community centers; recreation facilities; etc.)
3. Clearance or demolition of buildings
4. Public services
5. Removal of barriers to the handicapped
6. Housing rehabilitation
7. Historic preservation
8. Commercial or industrial building rehabilitation
9. Economic development
Engineering and architectural fees are only eligible if the professional is hired through an advertised Request For Proposals.
Municipal building construction and improvements are not eligible, except for handicapped accessibility.
What are low and moderate income benefit requirements? Over 51% of the persons to benefit from a project must meet low and moderate income guidelines in order for a project to be eligible for CDBG funds. If a community wide activity is to be funded, then over 51% of the residents in the community must meet low/moderate income limits. According to the US Census, more than 51% of the population of the following municipalities have low or moderate incomes: Juniata Township and the Boroughs of Mill Creek, Mount Union and Shade Gap. Projects that benefit these 4 entire municipalities are eligible for funding.
If the project benefits an area that has not been determined by the Census Bureau to meet low/mod income benefit goals, then an income survey of residents living in the service area of the activity needs to be conducted to determine project fundability. The applicant’s cooperation in information is necessary for completion of an income survey. The County Planning & Development Department may assist in conducting the survey.
If the community wide percentage of low and moderate income persons is less than 51%, a project may qualify if the project serves only low and moderate income people. Examples of such projects are housing rehabilitation, senior citizens projects and projects resulting in the removal of barriers to the handicapped.
Demolition of blighted buildings is the only activity which can be done without low moderate benefit.
What are the current low and moderate income guidelines?
Low and Moderate Income Guidelines Effective from 2009
|
# people in household |
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
|
Income limits |
$30,750
|
$35,150
|
$39,550
|
$43,900
|
$47,450
|
$50,950
|
What is the total amount of funds available? Approximately $251,800 was allocated by Huntingdon County in 2011. An exact allocation for the next round of funding in Huntingdon County will not be known until after a federal budget for 2012 is passed and allocations are determined by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
How soon can an organization receive CDBG funds? Projects submitted this year should expect to be funded no earlier than 2014. Newest projects are usually placed in the third year of a three year plan, allowing time for engineering and planning before funds are made available to the project. New projects are added to the third year of the Plan each year; while previously funded activities move one year closer to receiving funds. The current Three Year Community Development Plan is attached to provide an idea of the types of projects funded and the amount of grant awards.
What needs to be done if a municipality, agency or organization is interested in applying for CDBG funds? If you are interested in receiving funds, please:
complete and submit a Huntingdon County CDBG Application Project Submission Form, attached and available on the county’s website at www.huntingdoncounty.net
contact Maureen Safko at (814) 643-5091 to discuss your proposed project
attend one of the public planning meetings scheduled in October and November
How are proposed projects evaluated? The Planning and Development Department will rank proposals according to established guidelines, which emphasize:
community need
severity of problem being addressed
compliance with the Huntingdon County Comprehensive Plan
the project area’s percentage of low and moderate income persons
the availability of other funds to complete the project
level of project planning and engineering completed
A financial contribution or “match” to the project from the applicant is not required; however, applications that identify financial commitment from the applicant receive higher ranking.
What assistance will be offered to the organization if a CDBG is awarded? Planning and Development Department staff will prepare a grant application for submission to the State, conduct the environmental review and perform other administrative tasks. All funds are paid by the County directly to Contractors to eliminate CDBG audit requirements for grant recipients.
CDBG Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.
For more information, please contact Richard Stahl, Director or Maureen Safko, Grant Administrator at (814) 643-5091, msafko@huntingdoncounty.net.
Huntingdon County Planning and Development Department
205 Penn Street, Suite 3
Huntingdon, PA 16652