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Governor McDonnell Announces More Than $12 Million in Community Development Block Grant Funding
– More than 5,100 Virginians will benefit from improved medical services, housing, water and wastewater treatment, as well as improved educational opportunities and downtown revitalization -

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced more than $12 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for 24 projects in Virginia. The grants, awarded through a competitive application process, will provide funding for community and economic development projects such as downtown and economic revitalization, broadband deployment, healthcare, and improved housing and wastewater treatment.

“The Community Development Block Grant program has long provided funding for projects improving the quality of life for thousands of Virginians each year,” said Governor McDonnell. “Through these grants more than 5,100 individuals will see improved housing conditions, access to medical care and educational opportunities – and more Virginia communities will see revitalization and creation of jobs.”

From the 24 approved projects, 15 focus on improved housing and wastewater treatment, six are focused on downtown and economic revitalization, while others focus on improved access to education and training, broadband connectivity and the renovation of an existing facility in Nelson County that will provide services to 3,000 individuals annually – 2,400 of whom will be low-to-moderate income.

“Through these funds several Virginia localities will receive aid in the revitalization of their central business districts,” said McDonnell. “Façade and streetscape improvements will address blighting conditions. Paired with the small business loan pool made available through these grants they will help revitalize the economies of these communities and bring new jobs, tourists, and events to the area.”

Since 1982, the federally-funded CDBG program has been administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and Virginia receives up to $21 million annually for this “small cities” grant program. CDBG grants are awarded through a competitive process. Most projects benefit low- and moderate-income individuals, and many projects are targeted for the prevention or elimination of blighting conditions.

Several projects are noted as either Multi-Year or Letter-of-Intent projects. Multi-year projects are those that receive a contract allocating a portion of the funds this year and, after achieving specific performance targets, are 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.”

2010 CDBG Competitive Grant Awards:

  Locality   Project Name   CDBG Award
  Albemarle, County of:   Oak Hill Phase I Sewer Project   $712,500
  Alberta, Town of   Samford Street Housing Improvement Project Multi-Year Funding   $1,000,000
  Boydton, Town of   Hull Street Housing Improvement Project Multi-Year Funding   $1,000,000
  Buchanan, County of   Hurley Regional Water Project, Phase II Letter of Intent   $1,000,000
  Clinchco, Town of   Clinchco Housing Rehabilitation, Downtown Service Area Phase III   $594,000
  Dickenson, County of   Nora Decentralized Sewer Project   $200,000
  Fries, Town of   Fries Downtown Revitalization Project   $1,000,000
  Greensville, County of   Southside Virginia Education Center, Phase III-A   $700,000
  Gretna, Town of   East Gretna Neighborhood Project   $997,400
  Haysi, Town of   Haysi Downtown Revitalization Project Phased Implementation   $999,128
  James City, County of   Forest Heights Neighborhood Improvement Project Multi-Year Funding   $1,400,000
  King George, County of   Angel Court Letter of Intent   $680,000
  Lawrenceville, Town of   Lawrenceville Downtown Revitalization Project Phased Implementation   $738,700
  Martinsville, City of   Uptown Martinsville Business District Revitalization   $691,325
  Nelson, County of   Blue Ridge Medical Center Expansion Project   $700,000
  Northumberland, County of   Light Street Housing Project Multi-Year Funding   $634,836
  Pocahontas, Town of   Pocahontas Historic Downtown Revitalization Project Phased Implementation   $1,000,000
  Pulaski, County of   Baskerville Neighborhood Rehabilitation Project Multi-Year Funding   $1,000,000
  Russell, County of   Long Branch/Strouth Creek/Fuller Mountain Letter of Intent   $700,000
  Surry, County of   Surry Broadband Implementation Project, Phase I   $700,000
  Saltville, Town of   East Main Street Housing Rehabilitation Project   $646,750
  Wise, County of   Wise Inn Restoration and Redevelopment Letter of Intent   $700,000
  Wytheville, Town of   Jefferson Union   $500,000

Check out this link with WSLS for information on the new Fries Fire Department Project!

KW Poore is still accepting proposals on behalf of the Town of Fries for the Mill Site Redevelopment. For more information please visit www.kwpoore.com.

Fries Town Council meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00PM at the Bingo Hall.

A Public Hearing was held to receive public comment concerning the Town filing application for funding with USDA, Rural Development for funding of proposed equipment grants for the Fries Police Department and the Fries Volunteer Fire Department, which consists of the purchase of various police equipment and pavement, tanks and electronics for the new fire hall. There were no citizen comments.

Bobby Jones gave the monthly police report: (For June 2010)
Speeding-2, Driving while Suspended-1 , Reckless Driving-1, Drunk in Public-1 and Defective Equipment-2.

Other Activities Included: Assistance to Other Police-11, Removed 1 Abandoned Vehicle and Lock Out-2. Took 6 Vacation Days.

1. A Proposed Barking Dog Ordinance. Council tabled until more information on enforcement could be obtained.

2. Main Street Parking: Citizen comments as well as comments from the Fries Fire Dept. were heard, Decision to be made at next meeting.

3. Town Management Agreement: A new agreement with Mount Roger Planning District Commission for town management services was approved.

1. Jesuit High School Students from New Orleans will be here from July 18th thru July 28th.

3. Fran & Walt Elkins are heading up a fundraiser for purchasing fireworks for the Town next year. Anyone interested in making a donation or helping with the cause please call (276) 744-3566.