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Beaver County holds CDBG public hearing; local ambulance director asks for funding to replace high‑mileage unit
Summary
At a Dec. 2 public hearing, county staff outlined the Community Development Block Grant program (about $1,083,168 for the five‑county region for 2026). Jennifer McElnay, director of Beaver Ambulance, requested grant funds to replace an ambulance with over 300,000 miles.
Beaver County commissioners opened a public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program on Dec. 2, explaining eligible uses and an anticipated regional allocation of approximately $1,083,168 for the 2026 funding cycle. The hearing is intended to inform residents about allowable activities and solicit input on possible applications.
Jennifer McElnay, who identified herself as director of Beaver Ambulance, urged the county to consider funding a replacement ambulance through the CDBG process. "We are highly in need of a new ambulance," McElnay said, adding that the vehicle the department seeks to replace has more than 300,000 miles and was purchased used about eight years ago. She described the department's fleet mix (a 2008 ambulance, a 2011 unit and a 2020 unit) and said a grant would help the service remain safe and reliable for county residents.
County staff walked through eligible activities for CDBG awards, including construction of public facilities, water and sewer lines, fire stations and acquisition of real property, and said the county's capital investment plan lists priority projects for the region. Commissioners and staff affirmed that CDBG funds must primarily benefit low‑ and moderate‑income persons and invited residents to inspect the application, policies and procedures manual and to identify themselves by name before speaking.
Commissioners said the county would consider the ambulance request as part of the capital planning and income‑survey process for future grant application cycles. No final county decision on a specific CDBG submission for the ambulance was made at the hearing; the public hearing was formally opened and then carried over for the application cycle discussion.
The county encouraged other residents with project ideas or concerns to submit comments for the 2026 funding cycle; staff said they would incorporate public input into the application process and capital investment list.
