Seal of the Governor
For Immediate Release: September 11, 2018
Contacts: Office of the Governor: Ofirah Yheskel, Ofirah.Yheskel@governor.virginia.gov | Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development: Amanda Love, Amanda.Love@dhcd.virginia.gov, (804) 371-7006

Governor Northam Announces Over $10.9 Million in Community Development Block Grant Funding

14 localities to receive funding for housing rehabilitation, downtown revitalization, and water and sewer projects

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam announced today more than $10.9 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Halifax, Lee, Northumberland, and Washington, and the city of Salem and the towns of Blackstone, Chase City, Lebanon, Luray, Marion, Pocahontas, and Smithfield. The 14 localities will receive funding for water and sewer, downtown revitalization and housing rehabilitation projects.

“Community Development Block Grants are a key resource to help communities fund economic and community development projects that address their local needs and help build the Virginia economy,” said Governor Northam. “With these grants, we can assist localities to make improvements to create vibrant spaces for all Virginia citizens to live and do business.”

Since 1982, the federally-funded CDBG program has been administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and Virginia receives approximately $18.5 million annually for this grant program. CDBG grants are awarded through a competitive process. During this year’s competitive cycle for CDBG funding, 21 proposals were submitted, and 12 projects received the initial funding. Most projects benefit low- and moderate-income persons, and many projects are targeted for the prevention or elimination of slums and blighting conditions.

Three projects will be funded through the CDBG Construction-Ready Water and Sewer Fund, which provides assistance to projects providing public water or sewer service to communities made up of at least 60 percent low- to moderate-income households. Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis from January 1 through the end of September.

“These grants are funding 15 different projects in 14 localities targeted to improve the quality of life for all who live, work and play there,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “CDBG is a flexible tool we can use to help address blight, improve housing, provide facilities for a variety of needed services, including health clinics, and increase access to water and sewer in communities throughout the Commonwealth.”

2018 CDBG Competitive Awards:

Locality

Project Name

Award

Town of Blackstone

East End Neighborhood Improvement Project

$1,250,000

Buchanan County

Paw Paw Waterline Extension

$787,500

Town of Chase City

Endly Street Community Project

$1,187,294

Dickenson County

Trammel Community Revitalization

$1,000,000

Halifax County

Meadville Road Housing Rehabilitation

$803,745

Town of Lebanon

Town of Lebanon Downtown Revitalization

$1,000,000

Lee County

Giles Hollow Water Project – Phase I

$375,000

Town of Luray

Luray Meadows

$700,000

Town of Marion

Sheffey Street Housing Rehabilitation

$637,400

Northumberland County

Callao Business District Revitalization

$700,000

City of Salem

Downtown Salem

$535,000

Town of Smithfield

Pinewood Heights Relocation Project – Phase IV

$1,000,000

TOTAL:

$9,975,939

 

2018 CDBG Construction Ready Water and Sewer Fund Awards:

Locality

Project Name

Award

Lee County

The Fields Waterline Replacement Project

$256,308

Town of Pocahontas

Town of Pocahontas – Greater Tazewell to Pocahontas Water Supply Project – Phase IV

$500,000

Washington County

Rattle Creek Water System

$175,000

TOTAL:

$931,308

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