In a recent government meeting, the Carroll County Board of Commissioners discussed several key funding initiatives aimed at supporting local youth and enhancing emergency management capabilities.

The board approved a $15,000 grant from the Department of Housing and Community Development to support the Carroll County Youth Action Board, which has been active since May 2024. This funding will help sustain the board's operations and outreach activities, including events like National Night Out and a personal hygiene drive for youth. The grant does not require a county match, making it a vital resource as existing funding is set to expire.

Additionally, the board reviewed annual grant awards from the Department of Homeland Security, which include significant allocations for emergency management. The Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) will provide $96,690.58, while the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) will contribute $415,051.20, both of which will support staff salaries and emergency planning. The State Homeland Security Grant Program will also provide $110,473.39 for various emergency management initiatives.

The meeting also addressed the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (FRF), which has a total federal award of $32.7 million. The board is working to ensure that all funds are either spent or under contract by the end of the year. Key projects under consideration include the construction of a family shelter, which requires an additional $851,422 to proceed. The board discussed reallocating funds from other projects to meet this need, emphasizing the importance of utilizing interest earnings to avoid returning any funds to the federal government.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the county's commitment to supporting youth initiatives and enhancing emergency preparedness while navigating the complexities of federal funding requirements. The board's proactive approach aims to maximize available resources for the benefit of the community.