Governor McDonnell Announces More Than $12 Million in Community Development Block Grant Funding
RICHMOND, VA – June 23, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — 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. “Faзade 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.”
2010 CDBG Competitive Grant Awards:
| Locality | Project Name | CDBG Award |
| Albemarle, County of: | Oak Hill Phase I Sewer Project | $712,500 |
| Alberta, Town of | Samford Street Housing Improvement ProjectMulti-Year Funding | $1,000,000 |
| Boydton, Town of | Hull Street Housing Improvement ProjectMulti-Year Funding | $1,000,000 |
| Buchanan, County of | Hurley Regional Water Project, Phase IILetter of Intent | $1,000,000 |
| Clinchco, Town of | Clinchco Housing Rehabilitation, Downtown Service Area Phase III | $594,000 |
| Dickenson, County of | Nora Decentralized Sewer Project | $200,000 |
| Fries, Town of | Fries Downtown Revitalization Project | $1,000,000 |
| Greensville, County of | Southside Virginia Education Center, Phase III-A | $700,000 |
| Gretna, Town of | East Gretna Neighborhood Project | $997,400 |
| Haysi, Town of | Haysi Downtown Revitalization ProjectPhased Implementation | $999,128 |
| James City, County of | Forest Heights Neighborhood Improvement ProjectMulti-Year Funding | $1,400,000 |
| King George, County of | Angel CourtLetter of Intent | $680,000 |
| Lawrenceville, Town of | Lawrenceville Downtown Revitalization ProjectPhased Implementation | $738,700 |
| Martinsville, City of | Uptown Martinsville Business District Revitalization | $691,325 |
| Nelson, County of | Blue Ridge Medical Center Expansion Project | $700,000 |
| Northumberland, County of | Light Street Housing ProjectMulti-Year Funding | $634,836 |
| Pocahontas, Town of | Pocahontas Historic Downtown Revitalization ProjectPhased Implementation | $1,000,000 |
| Pulaski, County of | Baskerville Neighborhood Rehabilitation ProjectMulti-Year Funding | $1,000,000 |
| Russell, County of | Long Branch/Strouth Creek/Fuller MountainLetter of Intent | $700,000 |
| Surry, County of | Surry Broadband Implementation Project, Phase I | $700,000 |
| Saltville, Town of | East Main Street Housing Rehabilitation Project | $646,750 |
| Wise, County of | Wise Inn Restoration and RedevelopmentLetter of Intent | $700,000 |
| Wytheville, Town of | Jefferson Union | $500,000 |
# # #
