Doña Ana County will host a public hearing at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, to discuss applications for the upcoming Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding cycle. The meeting will be held in the Commission Chambers of the Doña Ana County Government Center at 845 N. Motel Blvd., in Las Cruces.
After a staff report on past CDBG program activities, public input will be sought regarding community development needs and suggestions for future CDBG projects.
The CDBG program was established under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, in order to assist communities in providing essential community facilities, providing decent housing for residents, promoting economic development and maintaining a suitable living environment. The state of New Mexico estimates the 2010 appropriation of $14.2 million to be distributed statewide on a competitive basis.
State and national objectives of the CDBG program require that assistance be made available for activities that address at least one of the following:
An activity identified as principally benefiting persons of low and moderate income;
Aid in the prevention and elimination of slums and blight;
Meet other community development needs of recent origin having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community where other financial resources are not available to meet such needs.
Applications are limited to a maximum of $500,000, except for planning applications, which have a limit of $50,000.
Eligible activities and categories will be described. All interested parties are invited to attend, to submit project ideas, to provide supporting data and testimony, and to bring forward any other pertinent information.
Residents requiring further information or special assistance such as translation services, sign language interpretation or handicap-access assistance should contact Nora Oliver at (575) 525-6196
Those unable to attend the public hearing may send written comments to the Doña Ana County Utility Department, 845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces, N.M. 88007.
