Tazewell County board approves fair-housing certification, backs $597,000 FEMA grant for PSA generators

The Tazewell County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a Fair Housing Certification and to accept a $597,000 FEMA urgent-needs grant to purchase backup generators for the Tazewell County Public Service Authority (PSA).

Speaker 2, presenting the item, said the county "was awarded an urgent needs grant for $597,000 to buy generators for the PSA" and explained the federal funds carry fair-housing obligations under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. The board voted to adopt the certification so the county can accept the award.

The board also approved entering into an agreement between the county and the PSA to use the award to buy the generators and to ensure installation. Speaker 2 told the board installation costs are expected and "I don't think it'll exceed 10% of the grant," and said the board would cover any shortfall so the generators are installed. Board members noted the grantor indicated it would consider allowing five generators instead of six if installation costs prove higher than expected.

Speaker 4 moved to approve the Fair Housing Certification as presented; the motion passed on a voice vote. Speaker 3 moved and Speaker 4 seconded the related agreement to proceed with the generator purchase and the board approved that motion as well.

The certification requires the county to take actions to "affirmatively further fair housing" during the life of the project, including public notice about fair-housing rights and avenues to file discrimination claims, as described by Speaker 2. The board did not provide a roll-call tally in the record for these votes; motions were adopted by voice vote.

Next steps: the county will finalize the agreement with the PSA and proceed with procurement and installation planning, with the board prepared to cover any funding shortfall identified during installation.