Public hearing: city begins LCDBG 2026–27 application process for water, sewer, streets and targeted demolition

The City of Natchitoches held a public hearing on March 10 to solicit views for a proposed application to the Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) program for the 2026–27 funding cycle.

Thomas McGee of Fry McGee LLC, a consultant working with the city, told the council the state has allocated $12,000,000 for the public-facilities program nationwide and that a city applicant may request up to $2,000,000 for sewer and water projects and up to $1,000,000 for street improvements. He said the public-facilities awards must “principally benefit low and moderate income areas of the city,” defined as census areas with at least 51% low- and moderate-income residents. McGee said the program also funds clearance (demolition) of dilapidated housing without the income requirement; the state set aside $6,000,000 for that activity and cities are eligible to apply for between $150,000 and $750,000 for clearance projects.

McGee described deadlines: public-facilities and clearance applications for the 2026–27 cycle are due in December 2026 and some new “make a difference” grants require a letter of intent in July. He said a city must close any open clearance project by July of the eligibility year to apply for another clearance award; he noted the city currently has an ongoing clearance grant that must be closed out before applying again.

Council members asked clarifying questions about eligible activities. A councilmember identified as Councilman Hamptons asked whether replacement of water lines qualifies; McGee replied that water-line replacement is eligible and that proposals must demonstrate need and are competitive. The consultant said the LCDBG does not fund standalone drainage projects except incidental drainage work tied to street projects (for example, roadside ditches and culverts).

A resident asked whether the clearance program provides funding for home repairs for people living in their homes. McGee said no: “This is not for persons in homes to help rehabilitate people living in homes,” and clarified the demolition (clearance) funding applies only to vacant, dilapidated houses.

McGee briefly described an emerging “make a difference” program that he said had funded one project in the state (West Monroe) and typically requires a letter of intent outlining a vision to fund multiple activities in a targeted neighborhood.

The hearing record will be used to guide whether and which applications the city will submit during the LCDBG 2026–27 cycle.