Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County holds CDBG public hearing, moves to apply for federal funds for housing rehabilitation and emergency repairs
Summary
Following a public hearing, Sussex County Council adopted resolutions to affirm fair housing obligations and to submit the FY-2025 Community Development Block Grant application to the Delaware State Housing Authority, targeting housing rehabilitations, utility hookups and emergency repairs.
Sussex County held its annual public hearing on the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program on March 4 and adopted two resolutions authorizing submission of an application to the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) and affirmatively furthering fair housing.
Community Development staff described the program's purpose (federal CDBG funding routed through DSHA), eligibility (owner-occupied primary residences with household income at or below 80% of area median income), and typical eligible activities: housing rehabilitation, sewer and water hookups, demolition and small infrastructure projects. Staff noted DSHA's priorities and explained the county's recent use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to supplement repairs: the county used $3.2 million in ARPA dollars (April 2022–Dec. 2024) to perform nearly 200 additional home rehabilitations.
Staff said the proposed CDBG application requests roughly $2 million for FY-2025 targeting emergency rehabs, utility hookups, scattered roofing and accessibility modifications, and described a list of municipalities and rural communities the county will request to serve. Staff described program requirements such as lead testing on homes built before 1978, lien terms for county-funded repairs, and the county’s new approach to bulk-purchasing reusable aluminum ramps for accessibility.
After no public speakers on the application, council closed the hearing and adopted the two resolutions by recorded vote.
