Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024
A.
HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
The Housing Assistance Grant (HA) Program provides funding to
address housing problems of low-and moderate-income persons. Housing Assistance
Program (HA) funds will be distributed through an annual grant application
selection process.
1.
Eligibility Requirements for Housing Assistance Applications:
Communities may not submit a HA application if they have received or
benefited from two HA awards within the five (5) year period prior to the CDBG
program year for which applications are being accepted. Multi-jurisdictional
applications with more than 3 communities will not be accepted.
2.
Eligible Activities:
Eligible HA activities are rehabilitation of occupied or vacant
single-family or multi-family housing units, same site replacement housing,
relocation assistance, acquisition, alternative housing, energy conservation,
correction of code violations, conversion of non-residential structures,
demolition, down payment assistance, first time homebuyer's programs, lead
based paint removal, new housing construction as allowed by HUD regulations,
provision of potable water or sewer, removal of architectural barriers and
eligible planning activities necessary to complete the Project Development
Phase.
3.
Exclusions:
See Section 1H (6) (7).
4.
Matching Funds: Applicants for housing activities must provide a
match (cash or in-kind) of at least 10 % of the total HA grant
award; except for eligible new housing construction activities
which must provide a cash match of at least 20% of the total HA
grant award.
5.
Maximum HA Grant Amount: $500,000
6.
Maximum Housing Assistance Program
Per-Unit Costs: The amount of rehabilitation grants or loans available
to participants in the HA Program will be no more than $30,000 per unit.
Additional funds, up to a maximum of $10,000 may be available in the following
cases: replacement housing, Life Safety Code violations, foundation work,
inadequate sewage disposal, lack of potablewater, removal of lead-based paint,
asbestos, radon, or other hazardous material, and accessibility modifications.
Except for acquisition and/or relocation, all other eligible activities under
the HA Program are limited to a maximum of $40,000 per unit assisted/created.
Maximum per-unit costs for any housing activity may only be waived by written
approval from the Office of Community Development. Public infrastructure
is not aneligible HA expense.
7.
Maximum Administrative
Costs: The HA Program allows expenditures for general and/or
rehabilitation administration. The total general and rehabilitation
administration expenditures may not exceed 15% of the grant amount.
Please refer to OCD Policy Statement #2 for more information regarding
CDBG administrative costs.
8.
Section 8 Housing Quality
Standards: All units assisted or created with HA funds must, if
possible, meet HUD Section 8 Minimum Housing Quality Standards. This does not
apply to projects undertaken to correct specific emergency health and safety
issues only, i.e. wells, septic, heating units, removal of hazardous materials,
energy conservation etc.
9.
Administrative Capabilities for Housing Rehabilitation Applicants:
Applicants for HA assistance must demonstrate at the time of submitting
the Letter of Intent that they have the capacity to administer the program
either through municipal staff that is a qualified CDBG Rehabilitation
Technician; or have completed a procurement process under the guidelines of the
CDBG program ( 24 CFR Part 85) to hire a qualified CDBG Rehabilitation
Technician subject to award of a HA contract.
10.
Selection Process: The
selection process for all HA applications will consist of two stages:
aStage 1:
Letter of Intent: All
communities wishing to submit a HA application must submit a Letter of Intent
to OCD on or before March 14, 2014 according to the requirements set forth in
the 2014 Housing Assistance Application Package.
bStage 2:
Application: The
maximum length of an application is four pages (not counting required
attachments). The application deadline for the HA Program is 4:00 PM on
May 3, 2014. Members of the Review Team will assign a Review Point Total for
each application reviewed. Review Point Totals will consist of the sum of the
three scoring areas below and be determined by the total of each sub-scoring
area. A maximum of 100 points is obtainable.
Impact (40 points):
A description of the specific housing problems to be
addressed with HA funds - 15 points
How the problems were identified - 10 points
How these issues affect LMI persons in the community
or region - 15 points
Development Strategy (40 points):
A description of the plan proposed to implement the
housing project - 15 points
ow emphasis will be placed on a community based
approach using collaborative efforts 10 points
Summary of the activities and use of HA funds -15
points
Citizen Participation (20 points):
How overall citizen participation process directly
relates to identification of solution strategies and application development -
4 points
.Effective use of any media (newspapers, radio, TV,
etc.) to further public awareness and participation - 4 points
Relevance of listed meeting/hearing activities/comments
(not counting required public hearing) on application and project development -
4 points
.Involvement of potential LMI project beneficiaries in
development of the application and project and how the required public hearing
relates to the application development and citizen participation process - 4
points
How other local resources (cash and in-kind) are
directly related to the project and the establishment of a cash value
equivalent for all in-kind commitments - 4 points
11.
Final Application Score-
Each application will receive a Final Application Score consisting of the
average of the scores assigned by members of the Review Team. Starting at the
top of the scoring list, applicants will be invited to proceed to the Project
Development Phase as funds allow.
B.
HOME REPAIR NETWORK PROGRAM
The Home Repair Network Program (HRN) provides funding to
address housing problems of low- and moderate-income persons by combining CDBG
funding with the Maine State Housing Authority and the United States Department
of Agriculture Rural Development Program funding. This program will provide
housing rehabilitation services administered on a regional basis throughout
Maine, except as stated below.
1.
Special Threshold Criteria and Certifications: HRN Program funds
will be distributed through a set aside of CDBG funds provided to the City of
Rockland as the lead community. The lead community will establish a legally
binding contract with each of the participating Maine Community Action Agencies
or other approved entity identified for the Home Repair Network delivery system
as approved by OCD.
2.
Eligible Activities:Eligible activities under the HRN Program are
rehabilitation of occupied or vacant single-family or multi-family housing
units, demolition, same site replacement housing, provision of potable water
and sewer, removal/mitigation of lead-based paint, asbestos, radon, or other
hazardous material, removal of architectural barriers and the Critical Access
Ramp Program (via Alpha One).
3.
Housing units ineligible for Home Repair Network
assistance:Housing units located in communities that have current CDBG
Housing Rehabilitation programs or the entitlement communities of Auburn,
Bangor, Biddeford, Lewiston, Portland and all of Cumberland County with the
exception of Brunswick and Frye Island are not eligible for financial
assistance under the HRN program.
4.
Maximum HRN Grant Amount:
$1,700,000. Allocations to each of the established regions will be determined
by the Office of Community Development.
5.
Maximum Home Repair Network Program
Costs: The amount of grants or loans available to participants in the
HRN Program will be no more than $30,000 per unit. Additional funds, up to a
maximum of $10,000 may be available in the following cases: replacement
housing, Life Safety Code violations, foundation work, inadequate sewage
disposal, lack of potable water, removal of lead-based paint, asbestos, radon
or other hazardous material, and accessibility modifications. The maximum of
$40,000 may only be exceeded by written approval from the Office of Community
Development.
6.
Maximum
Administrative Costs: The HRN Program allows expenditures for general
and rehabilitation administration. The total general and rehabilitation
administration expenditures may not exceed 20% of the grant amount. The City of
Rockland is allowed a maximum of $5,000 in administrative funding.
7.
Section 8 Housing Quality
Standards:All units assisted or created with HRN funds will strive to
meet HUD Section 8 Minimum Housing Quality Standards if possible. This does not
apply to projects undertaken to correct specific emergency health and safety
issues only, i.e. wells, septic, heating units, removal of hazardous materials,
energy conservation etc. In addition, all units must comply with other
applicable standards included in the HRN contract.
C.
PUBLIC FACILITIES GRANT PROGRAM
The Public Facilities Grant (PF) Program provides gap funding
for local public facility activities, which alleviate a threat to the health
and safety of the general public.
1.
Eligible Activities: Eligible activities in the PF program are
construction, acquisition, reconstruction, rehabilitation, site clearance,
historic preservation, and relocation assistance associated
with public facilities projects and eligible planning
activities necessary to complete the Project Development Phase.
2.
Exclusions: See Section 1H
(1) (2).
3.
Match:
All communities applying for PF funds must certify that they will provide a
cash match of at least 25 percent of the total grant
award. This match may consist of all non-CDBG loans, grants,
endowments, etc. contributed to the project.
4.
Maximum PF Grant Amount: $300,000
5.
Demonstration of
Need: Applicants must have demonstrated that the proposed activity will
alleviate a threat to the health and safety of the general public. This
demonstration must have been made part of the Letter of Intent and Verification
submitted to the Office of Community Development on or before January 17, 2014.
6.
Demonstration of
National Objective: Applicants must demonstrate that the project meets
the National Objective of a) benefiting 51% or greater low/moderate income
persons or b) preventing or eliminating slum or blighting conditions. Census
information, a certified target area survey, or an officially adopted
declaration of slum/blight conditions conforming to the requirements of Title
30-A M.R.S.A. § 5202 and HUD must be submitted to OCD. For spot blight
activities documentation must be submitted to OCD substantiating the condition
of the structure as "blighted." These demonstrations must be made as part
of the Letter of Intent and Verification of CDBG National Objective submitted
to OCD on or before 4:00 pm on Friday, January 17, 2014.
7.
Priority for Public Facilities
Projects: Regional Service Centers and Contiguous Census Designated
Places and Compact Urban Areas Designated as Regional Service Centers and
activities supporting the revitalization of downtown areas will be given
priority during the evaluation and selection process for awarding PF program
funds. Lists of all service center communities are available from the OCD.
8.
Selection
Process: The selection process will consist of two stages.
a Stage 1:
Letter of Intent and Verification of CDBG
National Objective:All communities wishing to submit a PF
application must submit a Letter of Intent and Verification of CDBG National
Objective to OCD on or before 4:00 PM on Friday January 17, 2014 according to
the requirements set forth in the 2014 PF application package.
b Stage 2:
Application:The
application deadline for the PF program will be announced by the OCD, pending
the availability of funds. Members of the Review Team will assign a Review
Point Total for each application reviewed. Review Point Totals will consist of
the sum of the three scoring areas below and be determined by the total of each
sub-scoring area. A maximum of 100 points is obtainable
Impact (40 points):
A description of the why the project is necessary - 8
points
Conditions warranting new construction or renovations,
including health and safety concerns- 10 points
How these conditions affect LMI persons in the
community or region - 10 points
Size and make up of user base of facility - 6 points
Why PF funds are necessary for project - 6 points
Development Strategy (40
points):
A description of the new or renovated facility,
including size, design factors, alleviation of health and safety factors,
utilities and location - 10 points
Specific use of PF funds - 10 points
Positive effect on LMI persons - 10 points
Project timeline, details of engineering or
architectural work completed to date, proposed date for start of construction,
tasks remaining prior to project implementation, final commitment of other
funds and how PF funds will be expended within a 12 month period - 10 points
Citizen Participation (20
points):
How overall citizen participation process directly
relates to identification of solution strategies and application development -
4 points
Effective use of any media (newspapers, radio, TV,
etc.) to further public awareness and participation - 4 points
Relevance of listed meeting/hearing
activities/comments (not counting required public hearing) on application and
project development - 4 points
Involvement of potential LMI project beneficiaries in
development of the application and project and how the required public hearing
relates to the application development and citizen participation process - 4
points
How other local resources (cash and in-kind) are
directly related to the project and the establishment of a cash value
equivalent for all in-kind commitments - 4 points
9.
Final Application Score-
Each application will receive a Final Application Score consisting of the
average of the scores assigned by members of the Review Team. Starting at the
top of the scoring list, applicants will be invited to proceed to the Project
Development phase as funds allow.
D.
PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT
PROGRAM
The Public Infrastructure Grant (PI) Program provides gap
funding for local infrastructure activities, which are part of a community
development strategy leading to future public and private investments.
1.
Eligible Activities:
Eligible activities in the PI Program are construction, acquisition,
reconstruction, installation, relocation assistance
associated with public infrastructure,
and public infrastructure limited to supporting construction of fully-funded
affordable LMI housing; eligible planning activities necessary to complete the
Project Development Phase.
2.
Exclusions: See Section 1H (1) (2).
3.
Match: All communities
applying for PI funds must certify that they will provide a cash match of at
least 25 percent of the total grant award. This match
may consist of all non-CDBG loans, grants etc. contributed to the project.
4.
Program
Activities:Applicants may apply for one or more activities within a
specific activity group. Applicants cannot mix activities from different
activity groups in an application.
Activity Group
Numbers:
1 Water
system installation/improvements, sewer system installation/improvements,
water/sewer system hookups, storm drainage, utility infrastructure, dams with
the main purpose of providing the primary water storage facility for an active
water district or municipal system. Maximum Amount: $1,000,000
2 Infrastructure in support of new
LMI affordable fully financed housing. Maximum Amount: $1,000,000
5.
Funding
Restrictions: PI funds may not be used to assist infrastructure for the
purpose of job creation/retention. Job creation/ retention infrastructure
activities are eligible in the Economic Development Program. With the exception
of proposals for infrastructure in support of new housing
construction and sewer/water system hookups, no housing activities
may be assisted with PI funds.
6.
Demonstration of National Objective: Applicants must demonstrate
that the project meets the National Objective of benefiting 51% or greater
low/moderate income persons via Census information, or a certified target area
survey. These demonstrations must be made as part of the Letter of Intent
and Verification of CDBG National Objective submitted to OCD on or before 4:00
pm on Friday January 17, 2014.
7.
Selection Process: The
selection process for all PI applications will consist of two stages:
a Stage 1:
Letter of Intent and Verification of CDBG
National Objective:All communities wishing to submit a PI
application must submit a Letter of Intent and Verification of CDBG National
Objective to OCD on or before 4:00 PM on Friday January 17, 2014 according to
the requirements set forth in the 2014 PI application package.
b Stage 2:
Application: The
application deadline for the PI Program is 4:00 PM on March 7 2014. Each
application will be rated in relation to all others in a two-stage process.
Members of the Review Team will assign a Review Point Total for each
application reviewed. Review Point Totals will consist of the sum of the three
scoring areas below and be determined by the total of each sub-scoring area.
Impact (40 points):
A description of why the project is necessary, previous
efforts to address needs, and how the project was prioritized locally -6 points
What engineering firms and/or regulatory agencies have
verified the infrastructure problems, and what studies and testing have been
done that corroborate the need- 8 points
How the verified health, safety and welfare conditions
affect users and others in the community and region -8 points
Size and demographic makeup of user base and target
area of projected infrastructure project -10 points
Why PI funds are necessary to fill a funding gap, what
other state and/or federal agency funding is involved, capacity of the utility
or town to borrow, and how match funds will work with PI funds to implement the
project -10 points
Development Strategy (40
points):
A description of the proposed infrastructure
improvements, including size, capacity, design, utilities and fit with existing
systems - 10 points
Positive impacts on health, safety and welfare of
users directly attributable to proposed PI expenditures -5 points
Extent of financial benefits to users; list current
user rates, what rates will be if PI funding is approved, and list what user
rates will be if the project is built without PI funding -15 points
Project timeline: list tasks necessary to begin
implementation. Identify work already completed, such as engineering, design
and final commitment of other funds. Identify when remaining tasks will be
completed. Estimate a project completion date and describe why project timeline
is feasible -10 points
Citizen Participation (20
points):
How overall citizen participation process directly
relates to identification of solution strategies and application development -
4 points
Effective use of any media (newspapers, radio, TV,
etc.) to further public awareness and participation - 4 points
Relevance of listed meeting/hearing
activities/comments (not counting required public hearing) on application and
project development - 4 points
Involvement of potential LMI project beneficiaries in
to the application development and citizen participation process - 4 points
How other local resources (cash and in-kind) are
directly related to the project and the establishment of a cash value
equivalent for all in-kind commitments - 4 points
development of the application and project and how the
required public hearing relates
8.
Final Score- Each
application will receive a Final Application Score consisting of the average of
the scores assigned by members of the Review Team. Starting at the top of the
scoring list, applicants will be invited to proceed to the Project Development
Phase as funds allow.
E.
DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION GRANT
PROGRAM
The Downtown Revitalization Grant (DR) Program provides funds
to communities to implement comprehensive, integrated, and innovative solutions
to the problems facing their downtown districts. These community revitalization
projects must be part of a strategy that targets downtown service and business
districts and will lead to future public and private investment. Qualified
applicant communities must have a downtown district meeting the definition in
30-A M.R.S.A. Section 4301(5-A).
1.
Eligible activities - include all those eligible under the Public
Facilities, Public Infrastructure, Housing Assistance or Micro Enterprise
Assistance programs as relevant to the revitalization of a downtown district;
and eligible planning activities necessary to complete the Project Development
Phase.
2.
Exclusions:
See Section 1H (4) (5).
3.
Match - All communities applying for DR Program funds must
certify that they will provide a cash match equivalent to 25
percent of the total grant award. This match may consist of all
non-CDBG loans, grants, etc. contributed to the project.
4.
Planning Requirements:
Applicants must have completed a comprehensive downtown revitalization planning
process within the past five years. Communities with plans older than five
years must demonstrate that their plans are under active implementation, the
action plan remains valid, or have been updated within the past 5 years. The
proposed DR activities must be in the plan as recommended actions necessary for
downtown revitalization.
5.
Maximum DR Award: $400,000
6.
Bonus Points for Applicants with
Maine Downtown Center Designation: Applicants will receive three bonus
points if they have been designated as a Main Street Maine Community by the
Maine Downtown Center, or one bonus point if they have been designated as a
Maine Downtown Network Community.
7.
Demonstration of National
Objective: Applicants must demonstrate that the project meets the
National Objective of 1) benefiting 51% or greater low/moderate income persons
or 2) preventing or eliminating slum or blighting conditions. Census
information, a certified town-wide income survey, or an officially adopted
declaration of slum/blight conditions conforming to the requirements of Title
30-A M.R.S.A § 5202 and HUD must be submitted to OCD. These
demonstrations must be made as part of the Letter of Intent and Verification of
CDBG National Objective submitted to OCD on or before 4:00 pm on Friday,
January 31, 2014.
8.
Selection Process - The selection process will consist of two stages
a Stage 1:
Letter of Intent and Verification of CDBG
National Objective:
All communities wishing to submit a DR application must
submit a Letter of Intent and Verification of CDBG National Objective to OCD on
or before 4:00 PM on Friday January 31, 2014 according to the requirements set
forth in the 2014 DR application package.
b Stage 2:
Application: The
maximum length of an application is six pages, not counting required
attachments. The application deadline for the DR Program is 4:00 PM on
Friday, March 28, 2014. Each application will be rated in relation to all
others. Members of the Review Team will assign a Review Point Total for each
application reviewed. Review Point Totals will consist of the sum of the four
scoring areas below and be determined by the total of each sub-scoring area. A
maximum of 100 points is obtainable.
Impact (40 points):
Describe the scope and magnitude of the problems you
seek to address, and how they are obstacles for revitalizing the downtown. - 6
points
Explain how these problems negatively impact the
viability of existing downtown businesses, or new development and expansion. -
8 points
Demonstrate how the problems affect LMI persons, or
how they contribute to slum/blight conditions. -8 points
Explain why DR funds are necessary for the project, and
describe what efforts have been made and where you have searched to secure
other grant or loan funds, -8 points
Development of Strategy (40
points):
Clearly link the proposed DR activities to action steps
outlined in your community's Downtown Plan, and explain how the project will
stimulate economic activity in the downtown. -12 points
List the specific activities to be addressed in this
downtown revitalization effort, and identify the tasks to be undertaken with DR
funds and the activities to be undertaken with each other source of funds. -12
points
Define how the proposed DR activities provide a
solution to the problems and assist in improving the area's viability, and how
the activities will have a positive impact on LMI persons, or on alleviation of
the slum/blight conditions. -8 points
Describe the capacity and experience of the
administrator who will be implementing the project, describe the engineering
and design work completed to date, provide a project timeline, and explain how
DR funds will be expended in a timely manner. - 8 points
Citizen Participation (20
points):
Effective use of media (newspapers, radio, TV, web
etc.) to further public awareness and participation. - 4 points
Relevance of listed meeting/hearing comments (not
counting required public hearing) and the overall citizen participation process
in application and project development. - 4 points
Involvement of downtown and local businesses, Chambers
of Commerce, development groups or other business related organizations in
identification of problems and development of the application and project. - 4
points
Involvement of potential LMI project beneficiaries in
development of the application and project, and how the required public hearing
relates to the application development and citizen participation process. - 4
points
How other local resources (cash and in-kind) are
directly related to the project, and the establishment of a cash value
equivalent for all in-kind commitments. - 4 points
Maine Downtown Center Designation Bonus
- 3 bonus points will be assigned to each applicant
community designated as a Main Street Maine Community by the Maine Downtown
Center, and a 1 bonus point will be awarded to those communities designated as
a member of the Maine Downtown Network.
Business Friendly Community Designation
Bonus - 3 bonus points will be assigned to each applicant
community designated as a Business Friendly Community at time of application.
9.
Final
Application Score- Each application will receive a Final Application
Score consisting of the average of the scores assigned by members of the Review
Team added to any applicable Maine Downtown Center Bonus and Business Friendly
Community Bonus. Starting at the top of the scoring list, applicants will be
invited to proceed to the Project Development Phase as funds allow.
F.
MAINE DOWNTOWN CENTER
ASSISTANCE
(Limited to a lead community selected by OCD)
The Maine Downtown Center Assistance (MDCA) provides funding
to support activities undertaken by the Maine Downtown Center on behalf of
communities addressing critical needs in established downtown areas.
1.
Special Threshold Criteria and
Certifications: MDCA funds will be distributed through a set aside of
CDBG funds provided to a lead community. The lead community will establish a
legally binding contract with the MaineDowntownCenter as approved by OCD.
2.
Eligible
Activities:Eligible activities under the MDCA are planning, capacity
building, technical assistance and administration directly related to
furthering the Maine Downtown Center's objectives in building vibrant,
sustainable Maine downtowns. Assistance will be available to Main Street Maine
communities as well as communities not currently so designated. Assistance will
be made available as determined by the Maine Downtown Center and OCD.
3.
Communities Ineligible for MDCA
Assistance:The entitlement communities of Auburn, Bangor, Biddeford,
Lewiston, Portland and all of Cumberland County with the exception of Brunswick
and Frye Island are not eligible for financial assistance under the MDCA.
4.
Maximum Administrative
Costs: The host community is allowed a maximum of $1,000 in
administrativefunding.
5.
Maximum MDCA Grant Amount: $100,000.
G.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM
The Workforce Development Grant (WDG) Program addresses
community and business resource needs by providing funding for operating
expenses, equipment, and program materials for workforce training programs
which will benefit low/moderate income (LMI) persons.
1.
Eligible Activities:
Eligible activities include operating and program material expenses for the
purpose of providing workforce training and skills development to address the
shortage of an available trained workforce. Other eligible public service
activities associated with the project are allowed. Planning activities
necessary to complete the Project Development Phase are eligible activities.
Structural changes such as construction, renovation, or rehabilitation are
noteligible for WDG funding. Program
development and marketing materials are not eligible expenses under this grant.
2.
Project Benefit:
Eligible WDG projects must provide benefits to one of the groups of persons
listed below:
a Participants in a program
where 51% or greater of the persons receiving benefit from WDG activities are
determined to be LMI.
bPersons who
are members of the following groups that are currently presumed by HUD to meet
benefit requirements. The presumption may be challenged if there is substantial
evidence the group served by the project is most likely not comprised of
principally LMI persons;
Abused Children (Does not include "at-risk" youth)
Battered Spouses (Does not include all victims of
domestic violence)
Elderly Persons (62 years +, or 55 years + for
housing)
Severely Disabled Adults
Homeless Persons
Illiterate Adults
Migrant Farm Workers
Persons Living with AIDS; or
3.
All communities applying for WDG
funds must certify that:The activity represents a new service to the
community; or a quantifiable increase in the level of an existing
service;
4.
Maximum WDG
Amount: $100,000
5.
Selection Process: The selection process will consist of two stages
a Stage 1:
Letter of Intent:All
communities wishing to submit a WDG application must submit a Letter of Intent
due the first Friday of every month. After review for completeness and
eligibility, units of general local governments will be invited to make a full
application.
b Stage 2:
Application: The
maximum length of an application is four pages, not counting required
attachments. Members of the Review Team will assign a Review Point Total
for each application reviewed. Review Point Totals will consist of the sum of
the three scoring areas below and be determined by the total of each
sub-scoring area. A maximum of 100 points is obtainable.
Impact (40 points):
Conditions requiring a new or expanded service - 15
points
Issues faced by service providers including capacity,
finances and staffing - 15 points
Why WDG funds are critical for the project - 10
points
Development Strategy (40
points):
A description of the new or expanded service, specific
use of WDG funds, including how this service will resolve identified problems,
and why this service will be more effective than existing services for the
targeted beneficiaries - 10 points
How WD funds will be utilized to assist LMI persons or
a HUD approved Limited Clientele group - 10 points
Project timeline, including a start date, tasks
completed to date, how WDG funds will be expended in a timely manner, and
method of tracking success - 10 points
Capacity and qualifications of the service provider
implementing the project, including familiarity with the needs of project
beneficiaries - 10 points
Citizen Participation (20
points):
How overall citizen participation process directly
relates to identification of solution strategies and application development -
5 points
Effective use of any media (newspapers, radio, TV,
etc.) to further public awareness and participation - 5 points
Relevance of listed meeting/hearing activities/comments
(not counting required public hearing) on application and project development -
5 points
Involvement of potential LMI project beneficiaries in
development of the application and project and how the required public hearing
relates to the application development and citizen participation process - 5
points
6.
Final Application Score-
Each application will receive a Final Application Score consisting of the
average of the scores assigned by members of the Review Team. Starting at the
top of the scoring list, applicants will be invited to proceed to the Project
Development Phase as funds allow. An application must have a minimum score of
70 in order to be funded.
H.
URGENT NEED GRANT PROGRAM
The Urgent need Grant (UN) Program provides funding to
communities to address serious and immediate threats to health and welfare
which are declared state or federal disasters.
1.
Project Eligibility:
Pursuant to Section 104 (b) 3 of the Housing and Community Development Act of
1974, as amended (see
24 CFR Section
570.483(d)) , the applicant
must address a community development need which meets all four criteria listed
below:
a poses a serious and immediate threat
to the health or welfare of the community;
b originated or became a direct threat to
public health and safety no more than 18 months prior to submission of the
application;
c is a project the
applicant cannot finance on its own. "Cannot finance on its own" means, that
the town's tax burden, regulatory structure, utility user fees, bonding
capacity, or previous or existing budgetary commitments, precludes it from
assuming the additional financial obligation needed for this project; and
d cannot be addressed with other
sources of funding.
2.
Program Requirements:
a
Necessary Documentation: The emergency situation must require immediate
action to alleviate the serious and imminent threat of injury or loss of life
resulting from a natural or man-made cause.
b
State or Federal Declaration of
Disaster: The applicant must submit documentation that the project to be
assisted with UN funds will take place in an area that has received a state or
federal declaration of disaster. In addition, the activities to be assisted
must be a direct result of the event leading to the declaration. This
requirement may be waived by the Director of OCD with just cause.
c
Application Submittal:
Applicants must submit a complete UN application that includes all required
information and documentation.
3.
Selection Process: The
selection process will consist of two stages: an application phase and a
project development phase.
a
Stage 1:
Application: An UN
application must include the following:
documentation that the emergency situation was
prompted by natural or man-made causes that pose an imminent threat of injury
or loss of life;
certification that the proposal is designed to address
an urgent need and an immediate response is required to halt the threat of
injury or loss of life;
information regarding when the urgent need condition
occurred or developed into a threat to health and safety;
evidence confirming the applicant is unable to finance
implementation on its own; and,
documentation that other financial resources are not
available to implement the proposal.
a copy of a state or federal declaration of disaster.
b
Stage 2:
Project Development:
Prior to consideration of a grant award, all UN proposals must meet the four
eligibility criteria listed above and the Program requirements. Project
Development Phase applications must comply with the following:
Project Planning: Details of the project
including engineering, cost analysis, feasibility, and structural analysis as
necessary.
Management Plan: Details of the structure and
methods established by the community for program management.
Regulations: Project Development Phase
applications will be reviewed for compliance with State and Federal
regulations.
4.
Approval Process: Applications will be accepted on a first-come
first-served basis. Following receipt of an application, OCD shall
review the application and verify that it contains all the required
information. Eligible planning activities necessary to complete the Project
Development Phase may be included in the UN grant total. Notification to the
applicant of the Office of Community Development's decision will initiate the
Project Development Phase process necessary for contract award.
