Governor Ralph Northam announced more than $10.9 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Halifax, Lee, Northumberland, and Washington, and the city of Salem and the towns of Blackstone, Chase City, Lebanon, Luray, Marion, Pocahontas, and Smithfield. The 14 localities will receive funding for water and sewer, downtown revitalization and housing rehabilitation projects.
“Community Development Block Grants are a key resource to help communities fund economic and community development projects that address their local needs and help build the Virginia economy,” said Governor Northam. “With these grants, we can assist localities to make improvements to create vibrant spaces for all Virginia citizens to live and do business.”
Since 1982, the federally-funded CDBG program has been administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and Virginia receives approximately $18.5 million annually for this grant program. CDBG grants are awarded through a competitive process. During this year’s competitive cycle for CDBG funding, 21 proposals were submitted, and 12 projects received the initial funding. Most projects benefit low- and moderate-income persons, and many projects are targeted for the prevention or elimination of slums and blighting conditions.
Three projects will be funded through the CDBG Construction-Ready Water and Sewer Fund, which provides assistance to projects providing public water or sewer service to communities made up of at least 60 percent low- to moderate-income households. Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis from January 1 through the end of September.
“These grants are funding 15 different projects in 14 localities targeted to improve the quality of life for all who live, work and play there,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “CDBG is a flexible tool we can use to help address blight, improve housing, provide facilities for a variety of needed services, including health clinics, and increase access to water and sewer in communities throughout the Commonwealth.”
2018 CDBG Competitive Awards
| Locality | Project Name | Award |
| Town of Blackstone | East End Neighborhood Improvement Project | $1,250,000 |
| Buchanan County | Paw Paw Waterline Extension | $787,500 |
| Town of Chase City | Endly Street Community Project | $1,187,294 |
| Dickenson County | Trammel Community Revitalization | $1,000,000 |
| Halifax County | Meadville Road Housing Rehabilitation | $803,745 |
| Town of Lebanon | Town of Lebanon Downtown Revitalization | $1,000,000 |
| Lee County | Giles Hollow Water Project – Phase I | $375,000 |
| Town of Luray | Luray Meadows | $700,000 |
| Town of Marion | Sheffey Street Housing Rehabilitation | $637,400 |
| Northumberland County | Callao Business District Revitalization | $700,000 |
| City of Salem | Downtown Salem | $535,000 |
| Town of Smithfield | Pinewood Heights Relocation Project – Phase IV | $1,000,000 |
| TOTAL: | $9,975,939 | |
2018 CDBG Construction Ready Water and Sewer Fund Awards
| Locality | Project Name | Award |
| Lee County | The Fields Waterline Replacement Project | $256,308 |
| Town of Pocahontas | Town of Pocahontas – Greater Tazewell to Pocahontas Water Supply Project – Phase IV | $500,000 |
| Washington County | Rattle Creek Water System | $175,000 |
| TOTAL: | $931,308 | |
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