July 7, 2009
Contact: Gordon Hickey Hollie S. Cammarasana, DHCD
Phone: (804) 225-4260 (804) 371-7006
Cell Phone: (804) 291-8977 (804) 382-2075
Internet: www.governor.virginia.gov www.dhcd.virginia.gov
GOVERNOR KAINE ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $14 MILLION IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING
~Approximately 3,790 Virginians will benefit from improved housing, wastewater services, job creation and economic revitalization projects ~
RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced $14,134,490 in federal funding for 22 community development projects through the Virginia Community Development Block Grant (VCDBG) program. The grants, which will fund a variety of projects – from housing revitalization to water and sewer infrastructure, to broadband and economic and downtown revitalization – are expected to benefit 3,790 Virginians, of which 2,899 are low to moderate income.
“These community improvement projects address a number of critical issues throughout the Commonwealth,” said Governor Kaine. “While a majority of these awards go toward creating safe and affordable housing and water for Virginians, there is also important funding for broadband, and economic and downtown revitalization efforts that will help our communities grow and improve the quality of life for their citizens.”
“We feel these projects will result in significant benefits for the citizens of Virginia,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Patrick Gottschalk. “These grants also provide communities with additional opportunities for future growth.”
Since 1982, the federally funded VCDBG program has been administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and Virginia receives up to $19 million annually for this “small cities” grant program. VCDBG 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 slums and blighting conditions.
Several projects are noted as either Multi Year or Letter of Intent projects. Multi year projects are those that will receive a contract allocating funds for one year, and after achieving specific performance targets, will then be eligible for another year of funding. Letter of Intent projects are those which will be awarded after the locality meets specific targets.
“Quality of life for Virginians means having a safe, affordable and prosperous community in which to live, work and do business,” said Bill Shelton, DHCD Director. “Creating better communities in which to live is the goal of our agency, and these grants are focused directly on that goal.”
Details of the grant award projects and amounts are listed below:
Project Title
Locality
Elected Official
Funding Sources
Funds Total
Old Madison Heights Revitalization Project – Phase I Stump Hill Area
Multi Year
Amherst, County of
Vernon L. Wood, Chairman, Board of Supervisors
CDBG
State IPR
USDA – RD
Local
TOTAL
$ 1,098,449
29,385
22,500
40,175
$ 1,190,509
Project Description: The county will address substandard housing and infrastructure conditions in the Stump Hill community, as the first step of the larger Old Madison Heights neighborhood revitalization. The project will include the rehabilitation of eight owner-occupied homes, the substantial reconstruction of one owner-occupied home, the rehabilitation of one rental home, demolition and clearance of three vacant and dilapidated structures, installation of approximately 1,450 linear feet of water line, connection of sanitary sewer to five homes, and roadway and drainage improvements. The project is expected to benefit approximately 42 persons, at least 34 of whom are low to moderate income.
Simmons Drive Community Improvement Project
Multi Year
Brunswick, County of
Welton Tyler, Chairman, Board of Supervisors
CDBG
Local
TOTAL
$ 1,102,510
25,345
$ 1,127,855
Project Description: The county will reduce substandard housing conditions and improve infrastructure in the Simmons Drive community. The project will include the rehabilitation of five owner-occupied homes; the substantial reconstruction of one owner-occupied home; the rehabilitation of five renter occupied homes; the demolition and removal of two dilapidated vacant structures; the installation of 1,770 linear feet of water line, 2,620 linear feet of gravity sewer, 2,700 linear feet of one and one half- nch sewer force main, and appurtenances; and the construction of approximately 3,000 centerline feet of residential street. The project is expected to benefit 51 persons, 46 of whom are low to moderate income.
Haysi to Big A Mountain Water Project, Phase III
Buchanan, County of
Dickenson, County of
James Carroll Branham, Chairman, Board of Supervisors
Roger Stanley, Chairman, Board of Supervisors
CDBG
ARC
AML
SWVA Water/WV Fund
Coalfield Water Development
Local PSA
TOTAL
$ 1,000,000
500,000
2,361,325
170,790
185,000
142,475
$ 4,359,590
Project Description: The counties will provide for the extension of public water service to priority areas identified in the Coalfields Regional Water Study. Presently households in this area are served by wells and springs that have been shown to poor quality and diminished quantity. Water tests have revealed that many water sources contain unsafe levels of coliform bacteria and other contaminants such as high levels of iron. The project will connect a total of 210 households to safe and adequate source of potable water and is expected to serve 348 persons, 233 of whom are low to moderate income.
Hurley Flood Recovery Housing Project – Phase V
Buchanan, County of
James Carroll Branham, Chairman, Board of Supervisors
CDBG
Local
TOTAL
$ 775,000
200,000
$ 975,000
Project Description: The county will rehabilitate one home and substantially reconstruct 13 homes as the final phase of the Hurley Flood Recovery Project, which to date has addressed over 70 homes. This project will provide safe and suitable housing for 37 persons, all of whom are low to moderate income.
West Fourth Street Community Improvement Project
Multi Year
Chase City, Town of
Eddie Bratton, Mayor
CDBG
Local
TOTAL
$ 1,250,990
6,740
$ 1,257,730
Project Description: The town will reduce substandard housing and infrastructure conditions for the West Fourth Street community. The project will include the rehabilitation of nine owner-occupied homes; the substantial reconstruction of five owner-occupied home; the rehabilitation of seven renter occupied homes; the demolition and removal of two dilapidated vacant structures; the installation of 1,740 linear feet of water line, 1,780 linear feet of eight-inch sewer line, and the installation of culverts and drainage improvements. The project is expected to benefit 52 persons, all of whom are low to moderate income.
Chincoteague Broadband Network Project
Chincoteague, Town of
John H. Tarr, Mayor
CDBG
U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Local
TOTAL
$ 540,990
25,000
100,000
$ 665,990
Project Description: The town will install an open access broadband network to support local communication needs and future broadband deployment. The project will include the installation of approximately 35,000 linear feet of 96 strand fiber optic cable, the installation of necessary electronics, and connection to the collocation center to access the broadband backbone. The project is expected to create at least 20 new jobs, of which at least half will be for low to moderate income persons, and improved access to healthcare.
Washington Park Community Development Program – Phase IV
Multi Year
Greensville, County of
Peggy R. Wiley, Chairman, Board of Supervisors
CDBG
Private
Local
TOTAL
$ 973,300
137,500
129,700
$ 1,240,500
Project Description: The county will complete the next phase of the larger Washington Park neighborhood revitalization. The project will include the rehabilitation of one owner-occupied home, the rehabilitation of five rental homes, the substantial reconstruction of eight owner-occupied homes, the creation of five new low to moderate income home owners, and the installation of approximately 550 linear feet of storm water drainage pipe, 500 linear feet of curb and gutter, 80 square yards of entrance gutter, 500 linear feet of sidewalk, and at least four additional street lights. The project is expected to benefit at least 40 persons, 33 of whom are low to moderate income.
South Street Neighborhood Improvement Project
Multi Year
Henry, County of
Jim Adams, Chairman, Board of Supervisors
CDBG
VDEM
Weatherization
USDA-RD
Private
Local
TOTAL
$ 1,400,000
313,362
194,000
115,862
27,400
118,959
$ 2,169,853
Project Description: The county will implement a neighborhood improvement project in the South Street area of the Bassett community. The project will include the rehabilitation of four owner-occupied homes, the rehabilitation of ten renter occupied single family homes and four multi-family renter occupied units, the substantial reconstruction of three owner-occupied homes, demolition and removal of two dilapidated vacant structures, 5,500 cubic yards of excavation, 1,340 linear feet of ditches, 3,554 square yards of new road construction, and the replacement of 1,570 linear feet of water line and 2,125 linear feet of sewer line. The project is expected to benefit 49 persons, 47 of who are low to moderate income.
Mary Ball Road Neighborhood Improvement Project
Multi Year
Kilmarnock, Town of
Dr. Curtis H. Smith, Mayor
CDBG
State-IPR
Weatherization
Private
Local
TOTAL
$ 1,385,455
119,850
77,100
7,500
951,249
$ 2,541,154
Project Description: The town will provide improvements and infrastructure to the Mary Ball Road community. The project will include the rehabilitation of 12 owner-occupied homes, the rehabilitation of six rental homes, the substantial reconstruction of four owner-occupied homes, demolition and clearance of four abandoned, dilapidated structures, and the installation of 5,119 linear feet of eight inch water line, 307 linear feet of water service line, 26 water meters, 5,478 linear feet of eight inch gravity sewer line, 5,359 linear feet of four-inch sewer force main, 420 linear feet of sewer service line, 31 sewer connections, and appurtenances. The project will benefit at least 60 persons, 49 of whom are low to moderate income.
Angel Court Housing Production
Letter of Intent
King George, County of
Joseph W. Grezieka, Chairman, Board of Supervisors
CDBG
VHDA loan
VHDA grant
HOME
LIHTC
Private
Local
TOTAL
$ 680,000
735,000
220,000
500,000
2,647,000
512,346
175,000
$ 5,469,346
Project Description: The county will complete infrastructure improvements in support of the development of 24 units of affordable rental housing for low-income and disabled residents of the county. The project will include construction of 975 linear feet of VDOT public access road, two commercial entrances, 650 linear feet of eight inch water line, 785 linear feet of four-inch sewer force main, and storm water / drainage improvements. The project is expected to benefit 114 persons, all of whom are low to moderate income.
Blackwater – Lee County Water Project
Lee, County of
Carl Bailey, Chairman, Board of Supervisors
CDBG
Health Dept.
TOTAL
$ 1,000,000
1,069,774
$ 2,069,774
Project Description: The county will provide public water service to approximately 90 households in the Blackwater community. The project will include the construction of approximately 40,000 linear feet of eight inch water line, 25,000 linear feet of six inch water line, 1,100 linear feet of four inch water line, 600 linear feet of two inch water line, 9,900 linear feet of three quarter inch service line, a 50,000 gallon water storage tank, and a booster pump station. The project is expected to benefit approximately 200 persons, 125 of whom are low to moderate income.
Old Woodway Road Extention – Phase II
Lee, County of
Carl Bailey, Chairman, Board of Supervisors
CDBG
Local
TOTAL
$ 250,000
107,114
$ 357,114
Project Description: The county will provide public water service to the remaining 20 households in the Old Woodway community. The project will include the construction of approximately 8,797 linear feet of eight-inch water line, one pressure reduction station, and appurtenances. The project is expected to benefit approximately 45 persons, 30 of whom are low to moderate income.
Pearl Avenue and Buchanan Street Housing Rehabilitation Project
Multi Year
Marion, Town of
David P. Helms, Mayor
CDBG
Local
TOTAL
$ 715,190
36,000
$ 751,190
Project Description: The town will address substandard housing conditions in the Pearl Avenue and Buchanan Street community. The project includes the rehabilitation 15 owner-occupied houses, the rehabilitation 6 renter-occupied properties, the substantially reconstruction of one owner-occupied home, and demolition and removal of two vacant blighted structures in addition to general debris and trash removal. The project is expected to benefit 46 persons, all of whom are low to moderate income.
Route 92 Waterline Extension Project
Mecklenburg, County of
Glenn E. Barbour, Chairman, Board of Supervisors
CDBG
Tobacco Commission
EDA
Local
TOTAL
$ 1,000,000
1,000,000
1,250,000
700,000
$ 3,950,000
Project Description: The county will install a water main to connect the town of Chase City’s water distribution system to address concerns with the town’s water supply which has repeatedly received violations for water quality problems. The project will include the construction of 54,483 linear feet of twelve inch water line, 27 gate valves, a booster pump station, related appurtenances, and the replacement of approximately 4,890 linear feet of water line within the town. The project is expected to benefit 2,169 persons, 1,623 of whom are low to moderate income.
Skipwith Road II Housing Rehabilitation Project
Multi Year
Mecklenburg, County of
Glenn E. Barbour, Chairman, Board of Supervisors
CDBG
Local
TOTAL
$ 600,700
1,260
$ 601,960
Project Description: The county will improve the housing conditions for low to moderate income residents of the Skipwith Road community. The project includes the rehabilitation of nine owner occupied homes, the rehabilitation of three tenant occupied homes, the substantial reconstruction of three owner occupied homes, and the demolition of two severely dilapidated vacant structures. The project will benefit 41 low to moderate income persons.
Dora Highway Neighborhood Revitalization Project
Multi Year
Pulaski, Town of
Jeff Worrell, Mayor
CDBG
HOME
State – SHOP
Weatherization
Private
Local
TOTAL
$ 1,400,000
319,000
75,000
92,750
501,000
401,686
$ 2,789,436
Project Description: The town will provide a broad range of improvements to the Dora Highway Neighborhood. The project will include the rehabilitation of ten owner-occupied homes, the substantial reconstruction of owner-occupied homes, the rehabilitation of four rental homes, the acquisition of six lots for the construction of six new homes for sale to first time low to moderate income homebuyers, demolition and clearance of 14 vacant and blighted structures, and the installation of 3,000 linear feet of upgraded and “loop connection” water line, resurfacing of 1,628 linear feet of existing streets, improvements to one intersection and the construction of two cul de sacs. The project will benefit 154 persons, 137 of whom are low to moderate income.
Dante – Sawmill Hollow Housing Rehabilitation Project
Russell, County of
Danny Brown, Chairman, Board of Supervisors
CDBG
Local
TOTAL
$ 467,000
62,400
$ 529,400
Project Description: The county will rehabilitate one home, substantially reconstruct six homes, and remove 16 vacant and severely dilapidated structures in the Dante-Sawmill Hollow Community. The project is expected to benefit 15 persons, all of whom are low to moderate income.
American Tobacco Warehouse Renovation Project: Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program
Letter of Intent
South Boston, Town of
Carroll Thackston, Mayor
CDBG
Tobacco Commission
Historic Tax Credits
TOTAL
$ 700,000
6,000,000
4,335,903
$ 11,035,903
Project Description: The town will purchase advanced manufacturing technology equipment to support the Advanced Manufacturing Technology portion of the Innovation Center, a component of the American Tobacco Warehouse Renovation Project. This program will produce 60 persons receiving a Certification and Associate Degree of Applied Science, 48 persons receiving an Associate Degree, 39 persons receiving a Certificate, and 15 persons receiving job training in Advanced Manufacturing. Of the 162 persons who have completed coursework, 118 will be low to moderate income.
Middle Creek Water Line Extension Project
Tazewell, County of
David R. Anderson, Chairman, Board of Supervisors
CDGB
SWVA Water/WV Fund
Local
TOTAL
$ 437,500
155,283
25,000
$ 617,783
Project Description: The county will provide water service from the town of Cedar Bluff water system to 35 households in the Middle Creek community. The project will include approximately 7,000 linear feet of six-inch water line, 7,000 linear feet of four-inch water line, a pump station, and 35 water meters. The project is expected to benefit 74 persons, 53 of whom are low to moderate income.
Arch/Market Neighborhood Project
Waynesboro, City of
Timothy D. Williams, Mayor
CDBG
Local
TOTAL
$ 684,000
10,000
$ 694,000
Project Description: The city will undertake an effort to address substandard housing conditions and the potential for flooding in the Arch / Market Street Neighborhood. The project will include the rehabilitation of eleven owner-occupied homes, one of which will be elevated, and the substantial reconstruction of four homes, two of which are owner occupied and two of which will become homeowners through the project. The project is expected to benefit 41 low to moderate income persons.
Wise Inn Restoration and Redevelopment
Letter of Intent
Wise, County of
Robert E. Robbins, Jr., Chairman, Board of Supervisors
CDBG
ARC
Tobacco Commission
VCEDA
Historic Tax Credits
Local
TOTAL
$ 700,000
277,574
1,100,000
1,200,000
3,942,426
880,000
$ 8,100,000
Project Description: The county will partner with the Wise County Industrial Development Authority will oversee the redevelopment of the historic Wise Inn property. The Inn will be a hub for regional tourism and is expected to host a variety of educational, cultural, and entertainment activities. The restoration will result in an upscale, 40-room hotel, restaurant, conference and meeting space, and additional parking. Approximately 30 jobs are expected to be created as a result of the Inn's operation, at least half of which will be for low to moderate income persons.
Wise Downtown Revitalization Project
Wise, County of
Caynor Smith, Mayor
CDBG
Private
Local
TOTAL
$ 700,000
83,800
502,117
$ 1,285,917
Project Description: The town will complete a variety of improvements in its central business district that are designed to contribute to the overall economic restructuring of the town. The project will include the construction of the Gateway Gardens, including a pedestrian plaza and turning radius improvements, façade improvements to at least seven downtown commercial properties, and construction of the Big Glades Square community events and performance space. The project will result in the removal of all physical and economic blight in the town’s business district.
