BATTLE MOUNTAIN - This year, Lander County will be able to submit two Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications to the state CDBG program as it was able to do last year, said Community Services Officer Gina Little.
The county is currently seeking ideas from the community for projects. The applicants must meet at least one of the following national objectives - the project has to benefit low to moderate income individuals, aid in prevention or elimination of slum and blight conditions and addresses an urgent need.
Little will be presenting the ideas received to the Lander County commissioners in November and the commissioners may select up to two projects at their Dec. 12 meeting.
The grant applications have to be in to the state CDBG program by Jan. 8, 2013, Little said. To submit ideas, call Little at (775) 635- 2860. Little and Lander County Executive Director Gene Etcheverry are available to help selected applicants prepare their applications.
The county is not guaranteed any funding. The projects are selected by the CDBG Advisory Board and they could select one, both or none of Lander County's applications, Little said. The board represents all of the eligible entities for the state CDBG program.
The funds are provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Past projects that have been paid for with CDBG funds include the building of the senior center, a portion of the planning and construction of the Battle Mountain wastewater treatment facility, several aspects of the Austin sewer treatment pond relocation project and Kingston's water system rehabilitation, Little said.
Little and Etcheverry said they encourage members of the community to come forward with ideas.
Etcheverry said the CDBG program is an excellent program that is in jeopardy due to the fiscal situation of the federal government. He said submitting grant applications is essential to show support for the program "so the program can meet its objective of assisting to build vibrant and sustainable rural communities where people choose to live prosperous lives."
The county has been granted a total of $2,746,955 in the CDBG program since 1982.
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