DUBOIS – A public hearing regarding the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) opened Monday night’s Sandy Township Municipal Authority/Supervisors’ meeting.
This hearing was the first of two required hearings, which are intended to allow for public participation in the grant program.
Some items the CDBG funds may be used for include: improvements to infrastructure, improvements to streets, housing rehabilitation and economic development. A special focus is placed on applying the funds toward areas of low to moderate income.
According to Eugene Zanella, “An eligible project must meet one of the three national objectives: project must benefit low- and moderate-income persons, aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight, and or address an immanent health or safety threat.”
Barbara Miller, township secretary, is the designated contact for Sandy Township’s CDBG program. She can be reached at 814-371-4220 to provide more information about eligible projects, as well as to advise on how to submit suggestions.
When questioned by Sandy resident Pamela August about submission deadlines, Zanella replied, “You should get it to Barb probably within the next two weeks or so, but we’re going to be meeting a month from now for them [the township supervisors] to select.”
The next public hearing is scheduled to open the next Sandy Township meeting on Oct. 6.
New business during the supervisors meeting included approval to submit a request for funds reimbursement for a Transportation Mobility Evaluation conducted in agreement with the City of DuBois.
The study has cost Sandy Township and the City of DuBois each $7,000, but according to Township Manager Dave Monella, “…since we’ve done that, the County Commissioners have come forward and they’re going to reimburse both communities $2,000 each …This [request] is to ratify the agreement that I’ve already signed to get that started.”