Newfolden holds public hearing on extension of Small Cities Development Program grant

The City of Newfolden held a public hearing Jan. 20 on an extension request for the Small Cities Development Program grant, Mayor Lori Warne said at the meeting.

Diane Hayes, a staff member who presented the update, said the extension is dated through Dec. 1, 2026, and that 7 of 15 planned residential rehabilitation projects have been completed. She told the council that further residential work is contingent on receiving a Letter of Map Revision from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and that the program needs more commercial properties to participate. Hayes also reported that all rental rehabilitation dollars allocated under the grant have been executed.

The update indicates the grant’s timeline and project mix remain active but constrained: residential progress has been made, rental funds are expended, and additional commercial project sign-ups are needed to use remaining program capacity. The pending FEMA Letter of Map Revision was presented as a gating item for additional residential work.

No public comments were received, either in person or in writing, according to the hearing record. After the presentation the hearing was adjourned on a motion by Councilmember Mark Augustine, seconded by Councilmember Darin Jacobson; the motion carried.

The hearing record lists Mayor Lori Warne and City Administrator Tammy Hansen on the minutes form. The city did not record a council vote or formal action adopting the grant extension at the hearing; the proceeding was a public hearing to receive the presentation and public input.