Presentations set on CDBG Block Grants

ST. LOUIS COUNTY — The St. Louis County Economic and Community Development Department distributed $1.9 million in federal grant money to communities and non-profit organizations in St. Louis County in the last year, according to a news release from the county.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds helped cover costs for renovations at the Chisholm Kiwanis Park, Mesabi Fit Coalition, and Range Mental Health; site acquisition for North SLC Habitat for Humanity; water and sewer infrastructure in five communities; meals programs at the Salvation Army locations in Hibbing and Virginia; and support services for low-income and homeless people through nine non-profit organizations.

A public information session about the CDBG grant cycle is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at the Mountain Iron Community Center, 8586 Enterprise Drive South in Mountain Iron.

There is also a session from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Proctor City Hall Community Center, 100 Pionk Drive in Proctor.

The agenda will be the same at both, including an overview of Fiscal Year 2023 accomplishments, including from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs.

The public is encouraged to attend and to provide input for St. Louis County’s overall Housing and Urban Development (HUD) FY2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, which includes the CDBG, HOME and ESG programs. The Consolidated Plan will provide direction over the next five years for funding to address housing, community development, and resident needs.

St. Louis County distributes CDBG funds to communities and non-profit organizations in St. Louis County outside the City of Duluth. (Duluth receives separate funding.)

Questions about the open houses and public hearings or about CDBG funds in general may be directed to Brad Gustafson at (218) 742-9563 or email: gustafsonb@stlouiscountymn.gov.