Committee reallocates $1.3M in CDBG funds to housing rehabilitation program

The committee voted 4–0 to move CR 59 favorably, reprogramming $1.3 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to bolster the Housing Rehabilitation Assistance Program (HRAP).

Committee staff said CR 59 would reallocate $1,200,000 to the HRAP revolving fund and $130,000 for program administration, and noted the action will redistribute prior‑year CDBG entitlement and program income funds to support rehabilitation activities. Jonathan R. Butler, director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, introduced Pam Wilson, who explained HRAP provides deferred loans of up to $60,000 to homeowners earning up to 80% of area median income to fund critical repairs and accessibility work. "HRAP provides deferred loans of up to 60,000 to income qualified homeowners earning up to 80% of the area median income," Wilson said. Since FY22 the program has rehabilitated 55 homes; the additional capitalization will let the county assist more eligible homeowners and reduce turnaways when funds are exhausted.

Committee members asked whether subrecipients had been consulted; staff replied subrecipients submitted documentation indicating they could not expend prior allocations, which freed amounts to be reprogrammed. After questions the committee moved and carried a favorable recommendation by roll call (four aye votes).