Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Grants topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Holmes County staff cleared to pursue EDA grants for bridges, storm hardening and dam repairs
Summary
County staff briefed commissioners on potential EDA grant projects covering bridge railings on evacuation routes, storm‑hardening county buildings and dam repairs; commissioners authorized staff to pursue the grant and to coordinate potential 20% matches or match reductions.
County staff presented potential Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant opportunities and the Holmes County Board authorized staff to pursue a consolidated application covering bridge repairs, storm‑hardening county facilities and selected dam repairs.
Staff explained that the EDA request could incorporate multiple projects and help the county score well because of storm and tornado impacts in the northern end of the county. "We believe that we can incorporate multiple projects into this request and make kind of an argument for why they all fit under this particular program," a staff representative (speaker 10) said.
Commissioners asked about required local matching funds; staff noted a typical 20% match but cited grant language allowing the federal government to consider match reductions on a case‑by‑case basis for distressed or resource‑constrained applicants. "There is typically a 20% match that is required on these projects, but there is clear language in the grant that allows the federal government to determine by case by case basis if that amount should be reduced," staff said.
The board moved and seconded a motion to allow staff and partners to pursue the EDA opportunity and to work with Liberty Partners and other partners on grant assembly. Commissioners directed staff to return with any major administrative cost implications and to track potential matches in future budgets.
Staff said they would provide supporting documentation during application preparation and would notify the commission if match requirements or administrative obligations could materialize. The action was authorizing in nature; final application decisions and cost commitments will return to the board for further approval.
