LOCK HAVEN — The first of two public hearings to talk about the $296,249 in 2018 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds that the city of Lock Haven will receive was held Monday night prior to City Council’s regular meeting.

The city’s Development Coordinator Maria Boileau said the 2018 CDBG program application packets were mailed to 10 non-profit organizations and three city fire companies. The deadline for these packets to be turned into the City Planning office is July 30.

These organizations are not the only ones able to apply for funding. Other’s can find applications on the city’s website, www.lockhavenpa.gov or by visiting City Hall, Boileau said.

If anyone has further questions on how to apply or if their organization qualifies for CDBG funds they can contact Boileau at 570-893-5903.

Boileau explained the purpose of the hearing was to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the proposed use of the 2018 CDBG funds.

She described how the CDBG funding was used in previous years.

CDBG’s 2015 funding was put towards general administration, a city wide Sidewalk Replacement Program, two paving projects on West Walnut and Pearl streets, the Clinton County Housing Coalition and the single family owner occupied housing rehab program, she said.

In 2016 the funding was used for paving projects on South Fairview, South Jones and West Third streets, general administration and the single family owner occupied housing rehabilitation program.

The 2017 funding of $269,615 was only recently agreed upon but already some projects have been announced, she said.

Seventy percent of CDBG funds must be used to benefit low and moderate-income residents with the remaining portion for activities under the category of either slum and blight or urgent need, Boileau said.

Eligible activities include housing rehabilitation, demolition, street improvements, fire protection services, economic development and public service activities, she added.

Public service activities have a cap of 15 percent and administration/planning activities have a cap of 18 percent of the total entitlement.

The Express previously reported that a majority of the 2017 funding would be used for a rehabilitation project at Hammermill Playground as well as streetscaping along East Church Street.

The 2018 CDBG funding,is a nine percent increase over 2017, Boileau said.

City Council has scheduled a work session on Aug. 20 to discuss the proposed projects.

A second public hearing will be held on Sept. 10 with the 2018 CDBG application submission to DCED due by Nov. 2.

There were no comments from the public and the meeting ended at 6:45 p.m.