COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment and by expanding economic opportunities, principally, for low and moderate income persons. In Pennsylvania, the funds are administered by the Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) under the direction of the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

 

All CDBG projects must:

• Benefit low to moderate income persons*
• Prevent or eliminate slums and blight
• Or address an urgent threat or need

*At least 70% of CDBG funding must be used to benefit persons with low to moderate incomes.

To be eligible for an area-wide project, at least 51 percent of those benefiting must be of low to moderate incomes, as evidenced by Census data or survey.

 

Eligible activities include:

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS

            Streets

            Sidewalks

            Parks & Playgrounds

            Water & Sewer Projects

HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBILITY PROJECTS

REMOVAL OF SLUMS AND BLIGHT (Limited to a maximum of 30%)

HOUSING REHABILITATION

Ineligible uses include general local government expenses, furnishings, political activities, construction equipment and operation and maintenance expenses.