YoungkinWatch: Governor Announces $18 Million in Federal Grants for Infrastructure, Housing in 16 Virginia Communities

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced on Friday the distribution of more than $18 million in federal grants to 16 Virginia communities to improve existing housing and improve infrastructure. Youngkin claimed his distribution will help Virginians manage the increasing cost of living.

In a press release, the governor’s office said the distribution of Community Development Block Grants (CDBGs) “will support projects that rehabilitate housing, revitalize downtown districts, improve water and sewer infrastructure and provide dental facilities for needed services, benefiting more than 2,800 low- and moderate-income Virginians.”

These initiatives aim to forge affordable housing and essential infrastructure, improving the well-being of our communities in need.” Youngkin declared, “Our goal is to elevate the quality of life, maintaining Virginia as the premier state to live, work and raise a family.”

The federally funded program is administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (CDHCD), which receives about $19 million to support small cities, counties, and towns each year.

The largest single recipient of funds was Wise County, which received $3 million for Phase One of its Pound Water System. Chase City was the second highest recipient, receiving $1.6 million for the B Street Community Project.

Big Stone Gap received about $1.3 million for improvements to the East Stone Comprehensive Utility System, and Bland County and South Boston both received $1.25 million for the Bland County Ministry Dental Clinic and Westside Mobile Home Park Redevelopment Project, respectively.

Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick said allocation of resources into infrastructure projects and housing are a “foundation of every community.” Merrick stressed, “The importance of the CDBG program cannot be overstated in meeting the most pressing needs of communities, enhancing the well-being of Virginians and fostering positive transformations in economic landscapes.” 

Yes, Every Kid

VDHCD director Bryan Horn stressed, “By investing in our communities, we are supporting them in the unique ways that they need, with solutions that include their unique voices, all while protecting vulnerable populations and building stronger local economies.”  

Youngkin offered additional infrastructure funding in his recently released state budget, including $95 million for the Norfolk Sea Wall. The governor tied $21 million of that funding to the completion of a long delayed casino project. The governor also required Norfolk to use revenues from the casino to fund further investment into the project.

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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Georgia Star News, The Virginia Star, and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Gov. Glenn Youngkin” by Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

 

 

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