County Withdraws from HMGP and CDBG

By: Shelia Mader

County commissioners voted unanimously to withdraw two grant applications tied to the Pusher Road Improvement Project after the county was unable to secure the required easements from property owners.

The grants, through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, were intended to help fund drainage improvements on the eastern end of Pooser Road. Without the necessary landowner consent, that portion of the work cannot be completed as originally planned.

County Administrator Jim Dean told the board the county would formally notify both agencies that the funds are no longer needed.

Commissioner Paul Donofro asked whether the grant funds could be shifted to another project. Dean said the funding was project specific and could not be transferred elsewhere. He noted the situation is similar to FIOP funds the board approved returning in recent months.

Commissioner Dr. Willie Spires asked whether withdrawing the applications could hurt the county’s chances of receiving future grants.

Dean said he does not believe it will negatively affect the county.

“In my opinion, it would not reflect negatively on the Board of County Commissioners,” Dean said.

The motion to withdraw the applications passed unanimously.