~by The Scranton Journal
Awards totaling $3.1 million were announced last week for nine communities across the state, including the city of Scranton. The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) awarded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to support community water and sewer infrastructure projects.
The city of Scranton was awarded $300,000 in CDBG funds to assist with $2.16 million in wastewater treatment system improvements. The project will also utilize Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Revolving Loan Funds (SRF). CDBG grants are awarded based on benefit to low- and moderate-income persons, financial need, project impact and readiness, and commitment of local resources to the project.
“Region XII COG is pleased to have authored the successful CDBG grant application for the city of Scranton” said Region XII COG executive director Rick Hunsaker. “Grant writing for our local governments is one of our core services, and there is no better day than when we are able to help a city or county leverage funds that will improve their communities.”
Scranton will use the funding to perform state-mandated improvements to upgrade its current lagoon system. According to city clerk Melinda Hinners, the DNR is reviewing the plans. Once DNR approval is given, the project will go to the bidding process, possibly as early as this summer.
CDBG and SRF funds enable communities to make needed improvements to water and sewer systems. The CDBG program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. IEDA is responsible for administering CDBG funds in non-metropolitan areas of the state.
