Hickman to continue revitalization project

The City of Hickman, Ky., has been awarded a $1 million Community Development Block Grant by Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear in conjunction with the Governor’s Office for Local Development (GOLD). The funds will be used to begin the third phase of a housing revitalization effort. The scope of the project includes the rehabilitation of at least 16 low- and moderate-income owner-occupied structures with an emphasis on low income, disabled and elderly homeowners. When possible, repairs will be done to the existing structure, although some sites have been inspected and determined to be deteriorated beyond repair. The dilapidated units will be demolished and reconstructed on their existing properties. The city will provide home ownership counseling and offer temporary housing for displaced residents during the rehabilitation process. “This ongoing revitalization project changes the lives of our citizens living in these deteriorated homes but also improves the appearance of the city and community as a whole,” said Martha Campbell, director of the Hickman Urban Renewal and Community Development Agency. “This grant, along with the support of the governor’s office and GOLD, allows us to continue our work to ensure Hickman is not overrun with blight. It makes a world of difference.” The rehabilitation projects will address multiple safety and health hazards including unstable or failing foundations, faulty electrical wiring and inadequate plumbing. All homes with disabled residents will be made fully handicap accessible. Kentucky’s U.S. Congres-sional 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. Published in The Messenger 6.9.08

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