CDBG community needs hearing next week

The City Commission is holding a Community Development Block Grant community needs public hearing at 7 p.m. Dec. 16.

The public is encouraged to comment and offer ideas on community issues that may be addressed with CDBG and Home Partnership Investment Program, or HOME, funds.

The city of Great Falls receives CDBG grant funds annually. Since its establishment in 1974, the CDBG program is one of the longest continuously run programs at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The CDBG program provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs.

Information gathered at the public hearing will be used to prioritize funding to address the needs of low and moderate income people. Areas that are addressed include housing, economic development, public facility improvements, public service and homeless assistance.

In the past, the CDBG program has funded grant requests to include NeighborWorks programs, Habitat for Humanity, the emergency sewer and water repair program, ADA accessible improvements, Natatorium repairs, playground equipment, small business development, emergency housing, Meals on Wheels, scholarships for children for summer and after school programs, day care scholarships for students at Paris Gibson High School as well as down payment assistance.

All comments and opinions regarding the best ways to use the grant funds are welcome. Comments may also be made regarding the performance of these grant programs. All members of the public are encouraged to attend. Handicap access into the public hearing is available on the north side of the building.

If you are unable to attend the public hearing, written comments may be mailed to Jolene Wetterau, Planning and Community Development Department, City of Great Falls, P.O. Box 5021, Great Falls, MT 59403-5021, or emailed to jwetterau@greatfallsmt.net by Dec. 18. If you have questions or comments, please call 455-8407 or the TDD number 454-0495.