Mitchell County holds public hearing ahead of likely state disaster-recovery block grant
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Summary
County officials held a public hearing to gather input ahead of a likely state Community Development Block Grant for Disaster Recovery; staff said the state has provided template language but the application has not been released and could arrive in February or March, with projects ranging from under $2 million to up to $10 million.
Mitchell County commissioners convened a public hearing to collect community input on a potential state Community Development Block Grant for Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) that county staff said is expected in the next two months.
County staff told the audience the state provided the grant wording and asked counties to hold hearings so local governments would be ready once the application opens. Staff said the program typically funds disaster-related housing projects and certain local infrastructure projects but generally does not cover ongoing operational expenses.
"This community development block grant for disaster recovery is, from what the state sent us down the wording and everything to go forward with a hearing," an unnamed county staffer said, adding that some projects can be as large as $10,000,000 while others cap at about $2,000,000 and that nonprofits may be eligible to apply but the full application details are not yet available.
Staff repeatedly emphasized that the formal application had not been released and that precise eligibility, caps and timelines would be confirmed only when the state posts the application. A county staff member said local partners — including the High Country Council of Governments — expect the application could arrive in February or March.
Members of the public suggested local priorities if funds arrive, naming affordable rental housing and water and sewer infrastructure as likely uses. One resident noted tourism-related infrastructure and arts amenities as additional community needs.
The hearing concluded without a vote on any programmatic decision; the board closed the hearing and moved on to other agenda items. County staff said they will share the state materials and a PowerPoint posted in the agenda packet by email to those who request it and return with further public briefings once the application is released.
Next steps: the county will monitor the state's application release, accept public input at future meetings, and prepare to apply if requested by the board.