Authority seeks help on how to spend grant
CONNELLSVILLE – The city’s Redevelopment Authority is seeking input from residents and organizations for the expenditure of the 2005 block grant to be received from the state. As overseer of the city’s annual funding through the state’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the authority is required to solicit input as to how the anticipated revenue is to be spent. The information is transferred to council members who make the final determination about which projects are funded.
Ralph Wombacker, authority executive director, anticipates the city will receive approximately $432,000, an amount similar to that received this year by the city.
“We won’t know the exact amount for a few months, but we are required to get the process started,” he said.
The first public hearing will take place Monday, Dec. 13, in council chambers at the municipal building, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The suggested projects must meet state guidelines. One guideline is that any expended money be utilized to benefit low-to-moderate income residents and improve the health and safety of a community.
In the past, the funding has been used to demolish structures deemed to be public hazards, replace sidewalks, install storm sewerage lines and improve city-owned playgrounds.
The 2004 state allotment was earmarked for several projects, including the upgrading of storm sewerage lines, replace sidewalks, renovations of the Connellsville Community Center, equipment for the Coke Center Radio Club and annual payments for firefighting equipment for the city fire department and New Haven Hose Volunteer Fire Co.
Residents and representatives of organizations are encouraged to bring their suggestions to the meeting.
“This will be the best opportunity for groups and organizations to make an offer,” said Wombacker.
He advises requests be accompanied with associated costs, when available; the scope of the work to be completed; and why the project is needed in the community.
Those unable to attend are asked to mail written requests to the redevelopment authority at 124 W. Crawford Ave., Connellsville, PA, 15425, no later than Dec. 31.