McAuliffe announces $9.5 million in Community Development Block Grants

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced more than $9.5 million in Community Development Block Grant funding for 13 projects in Virginia. Projects will improve water and sewer infrastructure, housing rehabilitation, and downtown revitalization across the Commonwealth.

“The CDBG program is an important resource to help localities across Virginia address community development needs by investing in projects that provide long-term security,” said Governor McAuliffe. “By focusing on infrastructure, downtown revitalization, and housing rehabilitation, the Community Development Block Grants enable communities to improve services and attract businesses to their area. We will continue to prioritize projects that will directly improve the lives of our citizens and move us toward our goal to build a new Virginia economy.”

Since 1982, the federally-funded CDBG program has been administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. CDBG grants are awarded through a competitive process, and Virginia receives approximately $17 million annually for this grant program. Most projects benefit low- and moderate-income persons or communities.

During this year’s competitive cycle, 19 proposals were submitted by localities, totaling more than $16.5 million in funding requests. Eleven projects received the initial funding, with two projects receiving a letter of intent. The letter of intent projects are worthy of funding, but are missing key components necessary for the project to be immediately implemented, and the grant recommends the locality address the missing components accordingly.

“Through the CDBG program, we are using all available resources to continue addressing the issues associated with housing, economic development, health and safety,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “I congratulate all the town and county winners today and look forward to witnessing the transformative results in each community!”