Feb 23, 2005 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – A proposed listing of state funded projects will be submitted to the state following final approval from council. The panel is expected to sign off on the five projects at tonight’s regular meeting that will allow the city redevelopment authority to submit the documentation that will release the $355,000 state Department of Community Development and Block Grant (CDBG) funding for expenditure by the authority.

Ralph Wombacker, authority executive director said during a final public hearing held Monday that the grant funding would facilitate final payments for fire equipment, install a heating system at the community center, provide matching funds for another grant program and offer a portion of funding needed to upgrade a sewerage system on the city’s west side.

Council allotted a total of $169,000 for final payments for two fire trucks purchased by the city fire department and New Haven Hose Volunteer Fire Co. over the past three years.

The $372,474 Quint apparatus – a combination ladder/pumper truck and a $224,846 pumper truck have been funded through the CDBG program over the past several years.

The Connellsville Community Center is slated to receive $45,000 to install an upgraded heating system for the third floor of the facility.

Wombacker said the recent installation of an elevator has allowed access to the third floor of the building, but that the current heating system did not adequately provide heat to the previously inaccessible rooms.

The authority has requested $40,000 be earmarked as matching funds for an anticipated $201,250 state Hometown Streets/Safe Routes to School grant for which it applied for last year.

“We haven’t received final word (of approval), but we have been advised to proceed with setting aside the matching money,” said Wombacker.

If awarded, the funding will be used to install decorative lighting along Pittsburgh Street, from Fairview Avenue to Route 119 along with purchasing street furniture to be placed along Crawford Avenue.

Council has also set aside $79,000 for a planned 2006 sewerage project along 4th and 5th streets. Wombacker said council has tentatively earmarked an additional $100,000 for the project in the three-year CDBG funding plan.

The project list must be submitted by March 4.

The authority is additionally seeking $400,000 to assist first time homebuyers to obtain mortgages or make home improvements.

“Homeownership instills pride and stability in residential neighborhoods,” said Wombacker. “It has a positive effect in the neighborhoods.”

The funding, he said, would be distributed to approximately 16 eligible applicants in two $10,000 loans. The first $10,000 loan will be forgiven at a rate of 10-percent each year. Should the home be sold at any time, the entire second interest free loan must be repaid.

“Many times a family cannot experience the American dream of homeownership simply because they cannot afford the down payment or closing costs,” he said. “(These loans) will allow that to happen.”

To be eligible the applicants must meet certain income levels, be able to secure a mortgage and agree to live in the city based home.

Income levels for one person is $31,000; two persons, $35,450; three persons, $39,900 and four persons, $44,300. Amounts increase by $3,550 for additional family members.

Wombacker, meanwhile, said that the city should be notified within the next few months if it will be made a program recipient. If approved, applications will be made on a first come, first serve basis.