Tehama County seeks public input at CDBG hearing

A Tehama County public hearing to discuss funding and potential applications for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Block Grant is scheduled for 6:15 p.m., Tuesday, July 23 in the Board Chambers, 727 Oak St., Red Bluff.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program authorizes the use of funds to assist low- and moderate-income families or aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight.

It is anticipated that applicants, such as Tehama County, will be allowed to apply for one project up to approximately $3.3 million and up to two competitive applications, one program and one planning grant, each up to approximately $300,000.

All CDBG activities must meet one of the following national objectives:

• Benefit to low- and moderate-income persons;

• Prevention or elimination of slums and blight; or

• Meeting an urgent community need which poses an immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community.

In addition to meeting these requirements, the project/activity must also fall under one of the activity categories as follows”

• Public Improvement Projects: Projects must be located in and serve a predominantly residential area within the County. Examples include water and sewer facilities, flood and drainage facilities and accessibility related street improvements.

• Public Facility Projects: Examples include acquisition, rehabilitation or new construction of structures used for public purposes such as recreation, training, health services, education, nutrition, shelter, day care, temporary housing and fire protection.

• Public Service: Examples include subsistence payments, security deposits, childcare, health care, recreation programs, fair housing counseling, drug and alcohol abuse counseling and testing, homeless services, senior services, and nutrition services benefitting low- and moderate-income persons.

• Planning and Technical Assistance: The product must show a connection to assisting with an eligible CDBG activity that, if implemented, meets a national objective. Product(s) are submitted to the state at the time of completion. The grant requires a five percent cash match to be expended prior to expenditure of CDBG funds. Examples include studies, analysis, and data gathering.

• Housing Activities:

• Homeownership Assistance Program: assistance with loans for down-payment or closing costs.

• Housing Rehabilitation Program for Single Family Homes: loans for repairs and improvements of owner-occupied units

• Business Assistance: Examples include financing of working capital, furniture, equipment, and property repairs/improvements.

• Microenterprise Assistance: Examples include business training, financing of working capital, furniture, equipment, and property repairs/improvements.

Tehama County is conducting the public hearing in an effort to garner public input concerning the CDBG program within the county and review funding available.

To participate remotely, call (530) 212-8376, conference code 933876. Press 5* to raise your hand to speak.

For additional information, contact Tom Provine, Tehama County Administration (530) 527-4655; or Dava Kohlman, Tehama County Administration (530) 527-4655.