DUBOIS – This year’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs were presented to the Sandy Township Supervisors during a public hearing Monday night.
The CDBG programs were presented by Gene Zanella, a consultant with Stiffler, McGraw & Associates. Zanella said he’s heard conflicting rumors about whether the amount would be the same, or if there would be a 5 percent decrease this year.
SandyTownship received $129,538 for 2012.
CDBG funds are required to primarily assist low to moderate income individuals, minorities and handicapped persons who are living within the municipality’s borders. Of the total CDBG funds, a 70 percent minimum must assist those groups. In addition, an 18 percent maximum is allowed for administrative costs.
Public improvements such as water, sewer and road improvements are allowed under CDBG.
The township’s CDBG application will be submitted once a date has been set by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The DCED, according to Zanella, is waiting for the federal government to award each state their share of funds for the CDBG program. He said once these funds have been announced, the DCED will be able to distribute them across the state.