UCDD to aid with CDBG surveys

COOKEVILLE – The Upper Cumberland Development District (UCDD) is busy assisting local communities throughout the region apply for 2016 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.

In order to determine eligibility requirements, UCDD staff is conducting surveys or interviews of local residents to compile data for the grant application. Over the next few weeks, residents may be contacted by telephone or in-person as information is gathered for the next round of funding.

UCDD staff, on behalf of local governments, will be asking general demographic survey questions as required by HUD guidelines. Survey question examples include, but are not limited to, race and annual income. Residents will not be asked questions that would compromise the security of their personal information, such as Social Security numbers, bank accounts, etc.

Applications for the 2016 funding round are due the end of February, and awards are typically announced in the fall each year.

The CDBG program is used to address critical or unmet community needs. Primarily, CDBG funds are used to expand economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for persons of low and moderate income. CDBG funding can be used for a variety of projects including housing rehabilitation, emergency services, fire protection or water and sewer line improvements. In 2013, more than 2,500 rural communities benefited from these federal funds.

Currently in the Upper Cumberland, there are CDBG projects underway in Van Buren County, Clay County, Gainesboro, and Cravenstown, to name a few. Last year, Van Buren County received CDBG funding to reduce water loss and improve its water system. Earlier this year, the City of Algood wrapped up a housing rehabilitation project. This past October, Clay County received CDBG that will allow them to purchase an ambulance to better serve citizens.

For more information about the CDBG program or the application process, call (931) 432-4111 and ask to speak with someone from the economic development department.

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