Thirteen homes in Smyth County will benefit from part of the $3.15 million in Community Development Block Grant funding announced last week for four projects in Virginia.
Phase 1 of the Allison Gap Housing Rehabilitation will bring $611,579 in DHCD funding to the Lick Skillet community.
Smyth County Director of Planning and Community Development Sally Morgan said this week Smyth County’s project application “requested funds for the rehabilitation of six owner-occupied homes and two investor-owned rental structures to housing quality standards.”
The project will also include “substantial reconstruction of five owner-occupied homes to quality standards,” Morgan said.
The work will benefit an estimated 35 people, according to results of a March 2011 survey, Morgan said.
One vacant dilapidated structure will be demolished, she said.
In announcing the funding, Gov. Bob McDonnell said in a release the four community improvement projects are in addition to the almost $9 million of funding provided in June 2011 and several other awards, including Urgent Needs grants provided to communities devastated by tornadoes.
“The Community Development Block Grant program is continuing to provide funding for projects to better the lives of thousands of Virginians,” said McDonnell. “We are committed to utilizing all of the resources we have to continue to better our communities throughout the Commonwealth.”
During this year’s competitive cycle, 30 proposals were submitted by 29 localities, and 12 projects received the initial funding, the release said.
“With the CDBG program, localities across the Commonwealth can address numerous issues including housing, economic development, health, safety and more to create great communities in which to live, work and do business,” DHCD Director Bill Shelton said in the release.
dkegley@wythenews.com
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