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Lycoming County reviews 11 CDBG project applications, names Section 504 compliance officer and updates procurement policy
Summary
County staff presented 11 candidate projects for the 2025 Community Development Block Grant program, outlining estimated costs and low- and moderate-income (LMI) eligibility checks. Commissioners also designated a Section 504 compliance officer and readopted the CDBG procurement policy with new conflict-of-interest and whistleblower provisions.
County staff on Thursday reviewed 11 applications for the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and asked commissioners to consider eligibility, estimated costs and any multi-year funding needs.
Jamie, the county's CDBG presenter, said the applications ranged from sidewalk replacements at the American Rescue Workers shelter to sewer and water main projects submitted by the Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority and stormwater and paving work proposed by Du Bois Borough. Estimated project costs presented included $80,600 for the American Rescue Workers sidewalks, $157,100 for a Quarry Road water-main replacement and $800,000 for Gordon Street sewer and stormwater work in Du Bois; several projects will require demographic surveys to confirm that at least 51% of beneficiaries meet the LMI national objective.
The county flagged several submissions as likely ineligible under CDBG rules or requiring additional documentation, including a commercial kitchen hood for American Legion Post 51 and a high-level Willow Walk Park redevelopment submitted by McCarris Realty Group; staff advised that luxury residential development would not be an eligible CDBG use under a slum-and-blight claim.
In related business, commissioners adopted a resolution designating Michael Hagan as Lycoming County's Section 504 compliance officer. Jamie said the designation is required because the county receives federal CDBG funds and must comply with 24 CFR part 8 (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973). The resolution also adopts a grievance procedure for accessibility complaints tied to county programs and facilities.
Commissioners also readopted the county's CDBG home program procurement policy. Jamie told the board the policy adds written standards of conduct for conflicts of interest in contract selection and a whistleblower protection clause preventing retaliation against employees who disclose gross mismanagement, waste, abuse of authority or violations of law related to federal contracts or grants.
Several commissioners asked procedural questions about project timelines and the need for demographic surveys; staff said those surveys and Davis-Bacon wage considerations would affect final cost estimates and eligibility. Commissioners approved the Section 504 designation and the updated procurement policy by voice vote.
The county will continue eligibility intake and demographic surveys on shortlisted projects and return with recommendations and funding decisions later in the CDBG cycle.
