Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
23 <br />The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program <br />Congress established the Community Development Program in 1974 by consolidating a number <br />of grant programs into one "block grant." The primary objective of the Community <br />Development Program is the "development of viable urban communities, by providing decent <br />housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally for <br />persons of low and moderate income." (Housing and Community Development Act of 1974). <br />To qualify for Community Development Block Grant funding, an activity must comply with at <br />least one of the following "national objectives": <br />• Benefit low- and moderate-income families; <br />• Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; <br />• Meet other community development needs having a particular urgency because existing <br />conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community <br />where other financial resources are not available to meet such needs. <br />Eligible activities include: <br />• Acquisition of property; <br />• Disposition of property; <br />• Public facilities and improvements; <br />• Clearance, demolition and removal of buildings; <br />• Some public services (subject to some limits in regulations); <br />• Housing rehabilitation, preservation and code enforcement; <br />• Economic development activities; and <br />• Planning and administrative costs. <br />Alternatives that are generally not eligible include: <br />• Buildings used for the general conduct of government; <br />• General government expense; <br />• New construction; <br />• Political activities; <br />• Purchase of equipment and personal property; and <br />• Operating and maintenance expenses of public facilities, improvements and services. <br />CDBG / HOME Program Application <br />Januarv 2003