The Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Arkansas Development Finance Authority, Arkansas Department of Human Services and the Arkansas Department of Health will host public hearings to receive comments from Arkansans about how to allocate $26,772,626 in funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the next fiscal year beginning July 2012.
In Southeast Arkansas, a meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Fire Station No. 2, U.S. 65 and U.S. 82 South, in Lake Village.
As a requirement to receive funds from HUD, these four agencies must submit to the public a single Consolidated Plan describing their planned use of the funds.
Programs funded by HUD include Community Development Block Grants, Home Partnership Investment, Emergency Solution Grants and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS programs.
CDBG funds for small communities are administered by AEDC and have traditionally been used for senior citizen centers, public health facilities, childcare centers, fire protection, community facilities, economic development projects and water and wastewater projects.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
HOME funds are used to assist with home construction and rental assistance for low income families.
ESG funds are used for the operation of homeless shelters and to provide services to homeless persons.
HOPWA funds are used to provide housing and rental assistance to persons who are HIV positive.
Copies of the Consolidated Plan are available and may be reviewed at the county judge’s office in each county courthouse or at the library of every two-year and four-year college. Citizens may view the plan online at www.arkansasedc.com.
Details: Contact Basil Julian at (501) 682-7392 or email bjulian@ArkansasEDC.com.