CDBG AWARDS ANNOUNCED

We were pleased when four of our customers recently captured federal Community Development Block Grants awarded by the Governor’s Office for Small Cities for Fiscal Year 2004. These include the City of Cortland, the Town of Truxton, the Village of Port Byron, and Chenango County.

The City of Cortland, located in Cortland County, chose to submit a $400,000 application request for “phase two” of its successful senior housing rehabilitation program. In 2003, the City submitted its first-ever rehabilitation program offered on a City-wide basis. The application focused on the needs of lower income homeowners aged 65 or older. Since the funding for the first program was obligated in such a short time period, indicating a substantial need, the City decided to submit a similar application this year. There are many senior citizens who are trying to remain independent in their own homes and the CDBG program assists these needy persons (see also Rehabilitation Spotlight on page 7).

The Town of Truxton, also located in Cortland County, successfully captured $400,000. Truxton will be undertaking Town-wide housing rehabilitation for low-to-moderate income homeowners. The Village of Port Byron in Cayuga County also captured a similar dollar amount for the housing needs of lower income homeowners in its community.

Chenango County will use its $400,000 award to replace failing well and septic systems throughout the County. Surprisingly in this day an age, there are some homes in Chenango without indoor plumbing in addition to homes with antiquated systems that need replacement.

Thoma has been hired to administer the City’s, Truxton’s, and Port Byron’s grants. Opportunities for Chenango, Inc., a community revitalization organization, will administer Chenango County’s award.