Tyrone Borough Council has approved recommendations for the use of Community Development Block Grant money.
The borough has received word that $114,750 has been allocated to Tyrone for the funding.
Before the borough receives the money, there are a number of steps that need to be accomplished including a public hearing set for today. The hearing is the first of two to be held regarding the funds.
Borough Manager Sharon Dannaway informed council on Monday that past allocations were reviewed and the borough recommended $65,000 be used for recreation improvements at Reservoir Park and $30,000 be used for housing rehabilitation.
The borough also recommended $5,610 will go to the Altoona-Blair County Development Corporation for economic development while $14,000 will be used for administrative purposes. $12,000 is earmarked for Altoona-based IDA and $2,000 for the borough.
The council’s decision to approve the recommendations will allow borough administrators to outline the intended uses for the money at a hearing scheduled for this afternoon at the municipal building.
The hearing will allow the borough to obtain the views and comments of the public on how the funds should be used. Citizens may also comment on how funds have been used in the past.
Today’s hearing will also be used to detail the nature and type of activities permitted under the program and other regulations regarding CDBG funding.
After the hearing, decisions will be made on how the borough intends to use the funds. A second hearing will be held to detail the planned activities and the amount that will be earmarked for each one.
After the second hearing, council will need to take action to approve the application that Tyrone will submit to the state. CDBG funds are used to undertake activities that primarily benefit low and moderate-income persons.
The process also allows for written public comment. Such comments should be sent to Finance Director Phyllis Garhart’s attention, Borough of Tyrone, 1100 Logan Ave., Tyrone, PA 16686.
The borough’s application for the funding needs to be submitted by April 7.
