Block Grant Discussed
The Community Development Block Grant criteria were explained by Katie Ford of BRADD.
By PJ Martin
Office/News Reporter, Metcalfe Division
The June 11th meeting of the Metcalfe County Fiscal Court opened with a public hearing to discuss the submission of an application for the 2019 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
Katie Ford, Grant Coordinator for the Barren River Area Development District was on hand to explain that the CDBG funds are made available under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act and that Metcalfe County is eligible through the low – moderate income benefit which has to be 51 percent low-moderate income (LMI).
Ford explained, “This is a competitive program, so usually only about 40 percent of the projects that get submitted get funded. For economic development, there is a little over 5.5 million available for distribution throughout the state. The grant limit for an economic development project is 1 million and I believe that’s what’s gonna be applied for this project.”
The project is for infrastructure needs such as laying water and sewer lines and providing electrical services for the industry coming to the area.
“Did we meet all the criteria that we are supposed to?” asked Judge/Executive Harold Stilts.
“I believe so. I think we’re good. I think all the thresholds are met,” replied Ford.
Wood Smith asked if some of the county roads could be striped to help with night driving.
Road Request
Wood Smith asked the court if the county roads could be striped, down the sides or in the center, whatever. “At night as close as the roads are its tight, they need striping. If it’s possible.”
Stilts told Smith that stripes could be put down the sides of the road. It would be a matter of getting a cost for the striping work. “We will check into that…see if it’s feasible”
Magistrate Ronnie Miller then asked about getting speed limit signs for county roads. County Attorney Barry Gilley replied, “You’ve got to pass ordinances and you’ve got to get em approved by the Department of Transportation. It is 55 miles per hour unless otherwise posted,” adding that, “it’s more difficult to put up the lower speed limit than one thinks.”
Financial Statement
Treasurer Vickie Stephens presented the cash balance of all funds as of May 31, 2019, as $2,859,162.64.
Other Business
Stilts asked the magistrates if they wished to advertise to bid the repairs to the Reese-Hurt Road tile or if they wanted to do an emergency fund repair. “We’re gonna have to do something with it. The old tile has been there since 1969 and it’s rusted and falling in. Its 16 foot deep. We need to act on it quick.”
The three magistrates in attendance voted to approve the repair using state emergency funds. Magistrate Kevin Crain was absent from the meeting.
