The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides annual grants to States, larger cities, and counties for a broad range of activities that preserve and develop viable urban communities. The program’s principal beneficiaries are low-moderate income households. The goals of the program are to:

• Provide decent, safe and sanitary housing
• Provide a suitable living environment
• Expand economic opportunities

The City of Pawtucket, through the Department of Planning & Redevelopment, receives federal CDBG funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on an annual basis to support the program’s goals.

The City of Pawtucket grants CDBG funding to Public Service providers.

Availability of Funds

For Program Year 20 (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020) the City anticipates receiving $1,800,000 in CDBG Federal Funding depending on HUD approval.

2019-2020 Citizens Participation Guide

The City of Pawtucket encourages the participation of all its residents in deciding how best to utilize the funding from the CDBG, HOME, and ESG Programs.  The Citizens Participation Guide explains the process.

Click here to download the 2019-2020 Citizens Participation Guide 

Eligible Uses of Funds

CDBG Funds may be used for a wide variety of activities that address the need for new or improved public improvements and facilities, economic development opportunities, improving the supply or condition of housing, and public services.

Eligible activities can be grouped as:

Real Property and Housing-related activities:

• Acquisition of land and or buildings
• Disposition of land or buildings
• Installation or construction of a public facility – such as a park or shelter for homeless persons - or a public improvement – such as a paved road or water/sewer system
• Clearance and demolition
• Interim assistance for limited activities in deteriorated areas that require immediate action
• Completion of Urban Renewal projects
• Acquisition, construction, installation, or improvements of privately owned utilities
• Rehabilitation of properties, including:
  
  • Privately-owned homes
  • Publicly-owned residential housing
  • Publicly or privately-owned commercial or industrial buildings
  • Nonresidential buildings owned by nonprofits
  • Manufactured housing when it is part of the permanent housing supply
• Code enforcement
• Historic Preservation
• Renovation of closed buildings
• Lead-based paint testing, evaluation, reduction, and clearance
• Public Services activities
• A non-exhaustive list of eligible services includes:
  
  • Employment training
  • Crime prevention
  • Child care
  • Health and drug abuse care and education
  • Fair housing and homebuyer pre-purchase counseling
  • Energy conservation
  • Recreation

Economic Development Activities:

• Acquisition of special economic development activities include:
• Acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, or installation of commercial or industrial buildings or railroad spurs
• Grants, loans, loan guarantees, interest subsidies to businesses
• Administrative costs directly related to economic development projects
• Special activities by Community-Based Community Development Organizations (CBDOs) that are part of a broader effort to revitalize a neighborhood
• Assistance to micro-enterprises, such as – Loans, grants, technical assistance, or supportive services

Planning and Administration:

• General Program administration

Eligible Applicants

Public Service Provider, affordable housing sponsors and developers, public institutions and other City Departments/Agencies.

Community Development Block Grant 2019-2020 Policies and Procedures Manual

Click here to download

Terms of Funding Assistance

Funds are available as a grant or a loan.

Income Eligibility

The gross annual household income for clients of Public Service providers must be 80% of the median income as set by HUD. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development determines the income limits annually. Household income is determined by the number of persons in the household and the total gross household income. Total household income must not exceed the following federal maximum income limits.

Income Limits:

HUD 2018 Income Guidelines

CDBG Self Certification Form 2018-2019

CDBG Quarterly Status Report 2018-2019

Application Process

1. CDBG applications for funding are released annually, usually in January. Eligible applicants are required to complete a CDBG Application and provide the necessary supporting material e.g. financial pro forma, operating budget, etc. Applications for funding are reviewed by the Department of Planning & Redevelopment staff.
2. Once a proposed project is approved by the Department of Planning & Redevelopment, a recommendation for funding is submitted to the Mayor, who must approve the final commitment of the funds.

Click HERE for the 2019-2020 CDBG APPLICATION

Contact:

For applications and guidelines to apply for CDBG funding contact Edward G. Soares, Community Development Program Manager at 401-728-0500 ext. 441

Other Useful Resources:

HUD’s CDBG Web site https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/cdbg/

HUD’s Web site www.hud.gov

Rhode Island Housing’s Web site www.rihousing.com

State of Rhode Island Division of Planning CDBG http://ohcd.ri.gov/community-development/cdbg/