Governor Phil Scott and the Dept. of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has announced over $2.9 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards to 10 communities in seven counties and $243,853 in CDBG CARES Act funding (CDBG-CV) awards to eight communities throughout the state.
DHCD awards approximately $7 million annually in competitive grants to Vermont cities and towns. The grants are funded through the federal CDBG program, administered by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development.
Funding is targeted to address the needs of lower income Vermonters and represents a partnership between the federal, state and local government.
“Continuing to support the housing and infrastructure needs of our communities is just as important now as it was before the pandemic,” said Governor Phil Scott. “These grants help us address the immediate needs of Vermonters, help communities plan for recovery and give them the resources to grow our economy.”
Vermont’s congressional delegation Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Congressman Peter Welch (D-Vt.) have been steadfast in supporting the funding that makes the program possible, including an additional $8.8 million in CDBG-CV funding to support businesses, public facilities and service programs that were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Locally, the Community Development Block Grants include:
$30,844 Town of Brandon
Grant to the Brandon Free Public Library to conduct a feasibility study to reduce architectural barriers to mobility and create universal access for all residents.
$100,000 Town of Castleton
Grant to the Castleton Free Library for accessibility improvements, including a new entrance and elevator, and minor renovations to remove architectural barriers.
$400,000 town of Bridgewater
Subgrant from the Town of Bridgewater to the Bridgewater Area Community Foundation to complete renovations to the historic former village school that will result in a community center anchored by a licensed early children’s education provider and senior programs. The project will also create space for public gatherings, and the town’s designated emergency shelter.
$498,000 City of Rutland
Subgrant to the Housing Trust of Rutland County for renovation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary School into 19 units of permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. Rutland Mental Health Services will provide case management and treatment services, and the Homeless Prevention Center will participate through referrals and program design.
$25,000 City of Rutland
A Local CDBG CARES Act Award was given as a subgrant to BROC Community Action to increase refrigeration capacity to safely store large quantities of frozen and perishable food for distribution to Rutland families as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
