Downtown Waynesboro project gets CDBG funds

A Downtown Waynesboro revitalization project is among 12 in Virginia to receive Community Development Block Grant funding, Gov. Bob McDonnell announced today.

The Waynesboro Downtown Revitalization Project will receive $770,000 in CDBG funds.

The project includes an economic restructuring plan and revitalization strategy for the downtown business district. The effort includes as partners Waynesboro Downtown Development Inc., the Waynesboro Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the city.

Augusta Free Press LLC designed the website for the downtown project – www.RevitalizingDowntownWaynesboro.org.

“The Community Development Block Grant program has long provided funding for projects that raise the quality of life for thousands of Virginians each year,” McDonnell said in a statement on the grant awards today. “Through these grants, several Virginia localities will receive aid in addressing housing and infrastructure concerns. Many residents will see improved housing conditions, access to medical care, sanitary improvements, and more of our communities will see revitalization and the creation of jobs.”

Since 1982, the federally-funded CDBG program has been administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, and Virginia receives up to $21 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 slums and blighting conditions.

During this year’s competitive cycle, 30 proposals were submitted by 29 localities. Several projects are noted as either multi-year or letter-of-intent projects. Multi-year projects are those that will receive a contract allocating a portion of the funds this year and, after achieving specific performance targets, will then be eligible for additional funding. Letter-of-intent projects are those which will be awarded after the locality meets specific targets.

“Our goal is to create better communities in which to live, work and do business in Virginia,” said DHCD Director Bill Shelton. “Through CDBG funds we have the tools in place to address housing, economic development, health, safety and other unique needs of each community. We believe these projects will result in significant benefit to the citizens of Virginia.”