Commissioners approve CDBG application, update required federal master files

The Board of Commissioners voted to adopt Resolution No. 10 of 2025 authorizing a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for federal fiscal year 2025. The board also approved two CDBG master file documents required for grant administration: the county financial management plan and the CDBG procurement policy.

Leslie, a Planning and Community Development staff member, told the board the grant “is really supportive and helpful” for rural infrastructure projects, specifically sewer and water work in small communities that lack local funding. “I get the pleasure of administering this grant and seeing projects from application to closing with beneficiaries,” Leslie said.

The resolution certifies compliance with the Housing and Community Development Act and authorizes the county’s regional development organization to submit the application on the county’s behalf. Commissioners also approved a county financial management plan that outlines invoice-approval processes for CDBG-related expenses, and a procurement policy stating procurement will follow federal rules (including 2 CFR Part 200) and applicable Pennsylvania codes.

Commissioners discussed the program’s importance for rural areas and noted concerns that the president’s budget proposed no CDBG funding for the coming fiscal year. A commissioner said local congressional delegation members were being urged to preserve funding because many rural communities rely on those dollars to replace aging and failing sewer and water infrastructure; another commissioner noted the county has focused CDBG funding on water and sewer projects for about 30 years.

The board approved the resolution and the two planning and community development items by voice vote (motion and second; vote recorded as “aye,” motion carries).