FRANKFORT, KY (May 29, 2008) – Gov. Steve Beshear, in conjunction with the Governor’s Office for Local Development (GOLD), has announced the approval of a $1,000,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for a scattered site housing project targeting low income, disabled, and elderly homeowners in the city of Ferguson in Pulaski County.
The city will use the grant to target at least 10 houses that have been inspected and determined to be beyond repair. The rehabilitation project will address multiple safety and health hazards such as unsound foundations, dangerous outdated electrical wiring and fuse boxes, structural damage, inadequate heat and/or air conditioning, lack of running water or hot water, no insulation and leaky roofs. All houses occupied by disabled individuals will be made handicap accessible.
“I strongly believe safe, sanitary housing is a basic right to which all Kentuckians are entitled,” said Governor Beshear. “I am especially pleased to award this grant to Ferguson and applaud its commitment to assist the commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens.”
The dilapidated units will be demolished and reconstructed on their existing properties. Funds will also be used to provide temporary housing for homeowners during the rehabilitation process.
“This grant will help improve the quality of life for a few of our needy citizens and that’s a wonderful feeling,” said Ferguson Mayor Allen Dobbs. “This is a big blessing for those elderly, low income or physically disabled residents that we’ll be able to help.”
Kentucky’s U. S. Congressional leaders’ continued support of the CDBG program has made the funding available nationally as well as within the commonwealth. The state’s CDBG program is managed by GOLD and funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Approved grants are used to assist counties and cities in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services.
