Fayette housing authority sets projects
Federal funding shortfalls will again limit the amount of work to be undertaken by the Fayette County Housing Authority (FCHA) over the next year, and likely in years to come.
In unanimous action on Thursday, the board approved its five-year action plan that outlines how the $1.67 million U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) capital grant program funding will be allocated and the needs at each of the FCHA housing units.
Andre Walters, assistant executive director, said that the community room at Fort Mason Village in Masontown will undergo renovations, including bathroom, kitchen and utility improvements. The cost is estimated to be about $36,000.
All housing units will have carbon monoxide detectors installed at a cost of $67,940.
The authority also plans to replace the Uniontown Biererwood Acres community room roof in 2015 along with earmarking $160,000 for central office operations.
Funding in the amount of $200,000 is additionally set aside for the payment of services sought from architectural, engineering, financial, legal and planning services consultants and construction inspector.
The largest outlay of capital — $546,000 — will be set aside for the upgrade of five Fort Mason Village units. According to the plan, both interior and exterior improvements will be made by the authority.
Walters said that $300,000 will be divided among all the authority’s housing units to defray operational costs.
“All of the (units) are operating with a deficit,” he said. “Subsidies have decreased; something has to offset it and we feel that (allocating a portion of the funding) is better than going to the (funding) reserves.”
An additional $485,000 received from HUD will be used to defray a portion of a $4 million debt incurred during the construction of Laurel Estates, added Walters.
While the five-year plan outlines several major overhauls and improvements at the various sites, Walters said that undertaking the work will depend upon the funding received by the authority.
“Until the funding increases, it will be very difficult to get it done,” he said.
Turning to other business, the board took action in the following matters:
n Renewed a five-year agreement with Verizon Business Services to provide internet dedicated services for the authority at a cost of $156,300.
n Contracted with Horizon Information Systems Inc. of Johnstown for the purchase and maintenance of software with the cost not to exceed $50,000.
n Awarded a contract to Ford Business Machines of Dunbar to provide copier maintenance and repair at a cost not to exceed $50,000.
n Authorized a contract with Scott Electric Co. of Greensburg for maintenance, repair and operation equipment and supplies at all housing sites at a cost not to exceed $50,000.