Montpelier, Barre City, and Waterbury awarded CDBG-DR funds

Sen. Leahy, Gov. Shumlin Announce Community Development Grants at Celebration of CDBG Program’s 40th Anniversary

$3.9 million in housing and accessibility grants awarded to ten communities

MILTON, Vt. – U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy and Gov. Peter Shumlin today marked the 40th anniversary of the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program by announcing nearly $4 million for projects across the state. The announcements were made during a celebration at the home of Kerry McManamon, who bought her house with down-payment assistance funded by the program and the help of the Champlain Housing Trust. The Town of Milton and CHT received the largest grant of the day for home repairs and homeownership assistance in Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties.

“From Ludlow to Lyndon, the awards we make today are just a few examples of the difference CDBG makes in the lives of Vermonters.” said Gov. Shumlin. “Hundreds of homes will be created, made safer, more energy-efficient and affordable. Some of our most treasured historic libraries and public spaces will be made accessible to those with disabilities.”

“The CDBG Program has a proven track record here in Vermont, and it is the single largest federal investment in community and economic development. This timely announcement of nearly $4 million represents a diverse range of projects, and an even greater range of partners who have come together to improve the quality of life for all Vermonters,” Sen. Leahy said.

“Since the program’s inception in 1974, more than $400 million in CDBG grants have been invested inVermont,” he added. “The CDBG Program is an invaluable tool for communities that seek to preserve and grow jobs, spur economic growth, support first time homeowners, and provide critical support services to low and moderate income Vermonters.”

CDBG is a program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and has been administered in Vermont by the Agency of Commerce and Community Development since 1983. Through its Vermont Community Development Program, ACCD makes CDBG grants to communities to assist low and moderate-income persons through job creation, affordable housing, public services and public facilities.

“For decades, the CDBG program has helped Vermonters said ACCD Secretary Patricia Moulton. “None of this would be possible without the support of Senator Leahy, Senator Sanders and Congressman Welch who fight for CDBG funding in Washington year after year.”

“Both the beauty and the strength of the program are the collaborations at the local level that bring projects to life,” said Jennifer Hollar, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development. “Since the program began, 191 Vermont communities have put CDBG funds to work benefiting over 340,000 Vermonters,” added Josh Hanford, VCDP Director. “In the last five years alone, we’ve helped 34 businesses create over 390 new jobs and improved housing for 2,280 households.”

“Without the help of CHT and funding through the CDBG program, I wouldn’t be a homeowner today. Programs like this are so important to help working people like me afford to buy a home and put down roots in my community,” said Ms. McManamon.

VCDP awards the competitive grants based on the recommendations of the Vermont Community Development Board and approval of Secretary Moulton.

The awards made today follow.

Town of Bradford – $30,000

Planning grant to develop plans, specifications and bid documents to make the historic Woods Library fully accessible and meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

City of Newport – $30,000

Planning grant for a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment and the redesign of the Gardner Memorial Recreation Park in downtown Newport.

Town of Waterbury – $50,000

Grant to assist in bringing the historic Janes Building, the town library and part of the new municipal office complex, into full compliance with state and federal accessibility requirements

Town of Putney – $300,000

Grant to assist in the rehabilitation and creation of 11 units of affordable housing at the historic Laura Plantz property, by the Windham & Windsor Housing Trust.

Town of Hartford – $388,433

Grant to assist in the rehabilitation of eight properties and 34 units of affordable housing by Twin Pines Housing Trust scattered throughout the town of Hartford. One property will be replaced with a highly energy efficient Irene Cottage.

Town of Ludlow – $425,000

Grant to assist Black River Housing Limited Partnership (Housing Vermont and W&WHT) to rehabilitate 22 units of affordable rental housing at Black River Overlook. The project will result in more affordable rents, highly energy efficient units heated by a wood pellet boiler, a new well and improved drinking water system.

City of Montpelier – $510,000

Grant to assist in the rehabilitation of 19 units of affordable rental housing on Barre Street in Montpelier, VT. This housing currently serves very low income residents and provides them with peer support and others services within walking distance to public transportation, grocery stores and other community amenities.

City of Barre – $800,000

Grant to assist Central Vermont Community Land Trust (CVCLT) and Housing Vermont (HVT) improve the City’s housing stock by demolishing three distressed buildings and replacing them with two new highly energy efficient buildings providing 28 units of affordable family housing and commercial space for CVCLT’s new office. The project is part of the City’s revitalization and master plan.

Town of Lyndon – $450,000

Grant to Rural Edge for the continuation of the regional Northeast Kingdom Housing Rehab Revolving Loan Fund, a three county housing rehabilitation fund that provides loans, grants and financial counseling to low income residents and homeowners.

Town of Milton – $875,500

Grant to assist Champlain Housing Trust continue its regional Housing Rehab Revolving Loan Fund in Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. This funding will provide for up to 50 rehab loans and counseling services for up to 800 households. The residential rehabilitation loans help homeowners who otherwise would not be eligible or could not afford conventional bank financing. The loans allow them to make needed life and safety repairs and energy efficiency improvements.

More information about the Vermont Community Development Program and CDBG is available at: http://accd.vermont.gov/strong_communities.

 

For Immediate Release

June 20, 2014

 

Contact:

Susan Allen, Office of the Governor, 802-279-8493

John Goodrow, Office of Senator Patrick Leahy, 800-642-3193

Jennifer Hollar, Housing and Community Development, 802-793-7346

Archives