Local communities receive grant awards

Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter announced Tuesday that 18 Community Development Block Grant awards will be distributed to communities this spring. The federally funded grants are administered by the Idaho Department of Commerce. The money is routed through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for projects that benefit low-and-moderate-income persons, prevent or eliminate slum and blight conditions, or address damage caused by natural disasters. Most of the eastern Idaho funding is earmarked for water or wastewater projects. It includes projects in Blackfoot, Ashton, Basalt, Shelley, Preston, and Caribou County. “One of the greatest assets that we can offer our communities is to partner with them in helping to improve their infrastructure, attract new businesses, and better serve their citizens,” said Megan Ronk, director of the Idaho Department of Commerce. “It’s truly encouraging to see all the growth and development across Idaho because of the CDBG program.” The 18 awards announced Tuesday are: Public Facilities Awards — City of Blackfoot – Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project – $500,000 — City of Filer – Water System Improvement Project – $500,000 — City of Ashton – Wastewater Improvement Project – $500,000 — City of Kellogg – Wastewater Collection Line Replacement Project – $500,000 — City of Stites – Wastewater Improvement Project – $375,000 — City of Shelley – Water System Improvement Project – $400,000 — City of Garden City – Infrastructure to serve Life’s Kitchen – $474,689 (sub-recipient: Life’s Kitchen) — City of Donnelly – Water System Improvement Project – $500,000 — City of Grangeville – Construction of a new Kids Klub facility – $400,000 (sub-recipient: Kids Klub) — City of Basalt – Wastewater Improvement Project – $350,000 — City of Preston – Water System Improvement Project – $500,000 — City of Hazelton – Water System Improvement Project – $412,550 — Benewah County – Water System Project – $500,000 (sub-recipient: Fernwood Water and Sewer District) Senior & Community Center Awards — City of Mountain Home – Senior Center Kitchen Improvement Project – $150,000 — Power County – Senior Center Kitchen Improvement Project – $150,000 — Caribou County – Roof Replacement Project – $137,350 — City of Kimberly – Roof Replacement & Kitchen Improvement Project – $84,150 Imminent Threat Award — Shoshone County – Water Main Replacement Project – $100,000 (sub-recipient Pinehurst Water District) All grant awards are reviewed and recommended by the Economic Advisory Council. Final approval is granted by the Governor.