Schuylkill preps for CDBG program

Schuylkill County is in the enviable position of allocating an anticipated $1.2 million for its Community Development Block Grant program. During a meeting Wednesday, the commissioners took a necessary step to receive the funds — which have already been allocated — by submitting an application to the Department of Community and Economic Development, which oversees the CDBG program. The funds will be dispersed during the federal fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30.

County Administrator Gary Bender said that numerous meetings have been held to discuss needs and possible projects.

In the Times News coverage area:

• Tamaqua will receive $121,544 which will be used for demolition of blighted properties ($29,900), street improvements ($69,767) and administration ($21,877).

• West Penn Township will receive $94,717, which will be used for housing rehabilitation of single family, owner-occupied housing ($77,668 for the rehabilitation projects and $17,049 for administration).

• Other Schuylkill County entities receiving funds include Shenandoah ($101,049), Wayne Township ($101,471), Schuylkill Haven ($104,733), Pine Grove Township ($91,505), Minersville ($94,294) and Butler Township ($102,589).

• The remaining $314,874 will go to Ashland ($30,000), Frackville ($65,000), Pine Grove Borough ($50,000), St. Clair Borough ($47,000), public services ($10,000) and demolition of slum and blight ($77,197).