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As the former Weld County representative for the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), it makes sense that Don Sandoval is important to many communities in Weld County, but you wouldn’t know it by simply interacting with him when he stops by for a humble mid-afternoon chat.
It also makes complete sense that Sandoval was chosen to champion Weld County’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. And for the past year and a half, that’s exactly what he’s been doing. In 2019, the county became eligible for its own pot of money — in the amount of $1,057,285 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) — to support community improvement projects in various municipalities.
In prior years, individual municipalities or the county had to apply for a CDBG grant from DOLA for a specific project. Now, 25 of Weld County's 32 municipalities work with the CDBG program in the identification of projects. This collaboration has paid off as three projects are coming to fruition — one of which has already been implemented — with the help of program funds.
This past November, communities applied for CDBG funds via an application process. By March 2021, three community improvement projects were brought before the Board of County Commissioners for approval. All three were approved — two in Evans and one in Firestone. Projects funded with CDBG funds must address one of the following national objectives: principally benefit low-and moderate-income persons; prevent and/or eliminate slums and blight; or address an urgent need.
Firestone’s Via Transit Service, implemented this past October, is being expanded from three days to five per week and provides transit for roughly 332 households to doctor’s appointments, health clinics and trainings located in surrounding communities for Firestone residents weekly. This project serves disabled, 60+ aged individuals and low- to moderate-income residents.
Paula Mehle, Firestone Director of Economic Development, is extremely thankful for the opportunity to partner with Weld County and the CDBG program to expand Firestone’s via Transit Service.
“This service has already helped Firestone residents tremendously so they can travel back and forth to appointments and work. One of our disabled residents utilizes this service regularly to get to his job, and this expansion will further help him be more independent,” Mehle explained. “Working with the county has been a joy. Not only does CDBG staff help us navigate these uncharted waters, they’re helping generate ideas, which is more than we could have asked for.”
As for the two Evans projects, which consist of the Water Efficiency program and the Idaho Street project, they will benefit residents in a few different ways. The first partners with Larimer County’s Conservation Corps (LCCC) to replace toilets and water fixtures in low- to moderate-income owner-occupied homes — helping these residents conserve resources and save money in the long run.
For the Evans Idaho Street project, two blocks will be paved, a water line will be replaced and storm drainage along with sidewalks will be added to the street. Upon the project’s completion, 50 households in this neighborhood will see reduced flooding problems and a strengthened road network for those traveling in Evans.
"Don’s passion not only for the program as a whole but also for each of these projects and helping our communities shines through,” exclaimed Anne Best-Johnson, Evans Community Development Director. “He’s worked with this county’s communities for years and is so compassionate about innovating and bringing necessary improvements to the forefront. We’re incredibly lucky to work with him and Weld County in the pursuit of enhancing the lives for Evans’ residents.”
“These funds truly help these communities and all of Weld County thrive,” Sandoval said. “This program, and partnering with these municipalities, is invaluable for the county. It helps ensure our towns have the resources needed to excel moving forward.”
By Shaley Dehner, Weld County Communications Specialist
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