NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 20, 2019
MEDIA CONTACT: Darren Jablonsky
Planning & Community Development Interim Director
218-725-5011
Public invited to learn about Community Development Block Grant funds
St. Louis County distributed $1.95 million in federal grant money in 2018 to communities and non-profit organizations in St. Louis County outside the City of Duluth. Duluth receives separate funding. Known as Community Development Block Grants, or CDBG funds, this money helped cover costs for renovations at the Hibbing Tourist/Senior Center, Floodwood Services and Training Center, and Vermilion Housing in Tower; site acquisition for North SLC Habitat for Humanity; demolition and clearance of a blighted structure in Kinney; accessibility improvements to the American Bear Association, Gnesen Town Hall, Lakewood Town Hall, and Hermantown Stebner Park; water and sewer infrastructure in seven communities; meals programs at the Salvation Army locations in Hibbing and Virginia; and support services for low-income and homeless people through seven non-profit organizations
To help people better understand how CDBG funds are awarded, and to get input on projects that may receive funding next year, the St. Louis County Planning and Community Development Department is hosting two combined open house and public hearing sessions:
Proctor City Hall/Community Center
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 1-3 p.m.
100 Pionk Drive, Proctor
Mountain Iron Community Center
Thursday, Sept. 12, 1-3 p.m.
8586 Enterprise Drive South, Mt. Iron
The public is encouraged to attend either of the events. The agenda will be the same at both and includes a review of Fiscal Year 2018 accomplishments, an overview of the CDBG program, information on the 2020 process schedule, and an opportunity for public input on St. Louis County’s HUD 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan will provide vision for the housing and community development needs for St. Louis County and set forth strategy, program goals, objectives, and benchmarks for measuring progress in meeting those needs.
Questions about the open houses and public meetings or about CDBG funds in general may be directed to St. Louis County Planning and Community Development at (218) 742-9561 or visit stlouiscountymn.gov/planning.
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