On August 26, 2019, over $13.4 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) were awarded to the counties of Accomack, Alleghany, Grayson, Greensville, James City, Lee, Mecklenburg, Russell, and Wise, and the towns of Appomattox, Chase City, La Crosse, Parksley, and South Boston.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam made the announcement at an event in Greensville, where he presented local officials with a check for one of the fourteen awarded projects.
“The Community Development Block Grant program continues to be a vital resource for funding projects that help build strong regional economies throughout Virginia and address the most pressing needs in our communities,” said Gov. Northam.
“The localities receiving these grant awards are making important investments in infrastructure, housing rehabilitation, and downtown revitalization that will enable them to deliver essential services to their citizens and attract new residents, businesses, and visitors,” he added.
Since 1982, the federally-funded CDBG program has been administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and Virginia receives approximately $18.1 million annually for this grant program.
CDBG grants are awarded through a competitive process. Most projects benefit low- and moderate-income persons, and many projects are targeted for the prevention or elimination of dilapidated structures and blighted conditions.
“These grants fund 14 different projects targeted to improve quality of life,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball.
“CDBG is a flexible tool we utilize to help address blight, improve housing, provide facilities for a variety of needed services, and increase access to water and sewer in communities throughout the Commonwealth,” he concluded.
Photo (by Corvokarasu at English Wikipedia) shows downtown Emporia, Virginia, which is in Greensville County, one of the CDBG recipients.