State to host public hearing regarding Five-Year Consolidated Plan

The hearing will be held Monday, May 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Arkansas Municipal League, 301 W. Second Street, North Little Rock. There is no cost to attend and registration is not required.

During this meeting state agencies will obtain public comments regarding the planned allocation of approximately $25 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program funds for the next program year beginning in July 2015, as well as setting priorities for the next Five-Year Consolidated Plan.

CDBG grants are targeted to Arkansas’s smaller rural communities and have traditionally been used for senior citizen centers, public health facilities, childcare centers, fire protection, community facilities, economic development projects and water/wastewater projects.

HOME grants are used for tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA), rehabilitation and new housing construction.

ESG awards are used to provide funding for homeless shelters.  Funds can be used for rehabilitation, homelessness prevention, essential services, maintenance, and operating costs.

HOPWA funds are used for tenant-based rental assistance, emergency rental assistance, utility assistance and supportive services for low-income HIV positive individuals and their families.

The committee is composed of representatives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Arkansas Development Finance Authority, Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas Department of Human Services, and other organizations who represent those affected by HUD funds.

A draft of the proposed Five-Year Consolidated Plan may be viewed at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission website.

The comment period will extend for 30 days beginning on April 13, 2015, and ending at 4:30 p.m. on May 12, 2015.Public comments will be considered in the final draft of the Consolidated Plan, which will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on May 15, 2015. To be considered in the final plan, written comments must be received during the 30-day public comment period. Written comments may be addressed to: Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Attn: Grants Management Division, 900 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 400, Little Rock, AR 72201.

The meeting location is wheelchair accessible. Persons needing interpreters or other accommodations are requested to telephone the Arkansas Economic Development Commission at 501-682-7682 so arrangements may be made in advance.