The second of two public hearings was held yesterday afternoon by the Town of Knox for a Housing and Urban Development Block Grant.
The grant is designed to assist those who meet certain income and living requirements to help repair portions of their homes. Yesterday’s hearing updated those receiving assistance on the progress of the grant program.
Knox Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston says there are several reasons receiving the grant is beneficial.
“Overall we’ve been really happy with the program. It’s a very effective program and it’s a grant that we like to get because it’s 90-pecent paid for by the federal government, we only have to come up with a 10-percent match,” says Houston.
Homes receiving updates and other work were required to meet certain provisions to ensure the funds are being used appropriately.
Those in attendance yesterday were largely interested in when work on their project was anticipated to start. Houston says there are budgetary incentives as well.
“When times like it is now with tight budgets and only a small amount of revenue to play with, it really helps a lot,” says Houston.
The Block Grant is complementing funds being used to combat blight in the Knox community.
Use of the grant funds will likely be extended to May to complete the projects.
