Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 3, 1994 TAG: 9403030272
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
It is the town's second application for funds supporting improvements in a community plagued with frequent flooding, inadequate sewer/water systems, and substandard housing.
Last year's grant, along with about 50 others state-wide, was rejected.
Assistant Town Manager Bob Benninger said demand for the grant funds increased by about 25 percent last year, but he feels this year's grant stands a better chance of being funded.
In the town's favor is the track record of its current town manager, Clay Goodman.
"He's had four out of four CDBG projects funded," Benninger said. Goodman came to Vinton last year after the grant had been submitted. He also met several times with grant officials during the preparation of the current grant proposal.
While the scope of the project remains the same as last year's, Benninger said the town is showing a stronger financial commitment by pledging more matching funds.
In addition to earmarking about $165,000 for water/sewer improvements on its own, Vinton will spend $20,000 on highway improvements and $45,000 for in-kind services if the grant is funded.
Vinton has until March 11 to submit the grant. Town staff will know by midsummer whether the project has been funded, Benninger said.
Last year, the grant program funded 32 projects in Virginia at a cost of $22 million.
Nearly 80 percent of Midway's 400 residents are classified low- to middle-income.
by CNB