Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Recovery Fund Opportunities

Background

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th, 2009, in an effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and address neglected infrastructure. The Recovery Act includes $13.61 billion for projects and programs administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, nearly 75 percent of which was allocated to state and local recipients on February 25, 2009. 

The City of Concord received a special supplemental allocation of CDBG-R funds in the amount of $275,702. This is part of $1 billion allocated to approximately 1,200 state and local governments to invest in their own community development priorities – stabilizing communities and creating jobs locally.  These investments will support a broad range of housing and community development projects that are ready to go or "shovel ready." Many of these projects have been held up for lack of private investment due to fallout from the broader economic crisis and credit crunch.

Funds Available

Approximately $250,000 is available from the City of Concord for CDBG-R projects, and $25,702 will be withheld for CDBG Program Administration (approximately 10% allowed by program regulations.)

Activity/Project Criteria

CDBG-R funds are for infrastructure projects/activities that provide basic services to lower-income residents, or activities that promote energy efficiency and conservation through the rehabilitation/retrofitting of existing buildings. Activities are required to create or retain jobs or promote economic opportunity for lower income persons/households; or promote energy conservation, smart growth, green building technology, or reduce pollution emissions. Each project must estimate the number of jobs created or retained; or provide a description of how the activities promote energy conservation, smart growth, green building technology, or reduce pollution emissions.  It is also anticipated that all construction jobs/activities will be required to pay prevailing wages.  Another key requirement is that the project must be initiated IN JULY 2009...in other words the projects must be "shovel-ready" projects.

Grant Process Timeline

HUD notified jurisdictions of the Program Requirements of May 6, 2009.  Notice of Funding Availability was emailed to a county-wide interested parties list on May 8, and posted to the City and County website on May 11.  Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on May 18, 2009.  The Concord Community Services Commission will review application and make recommendations on May 20.  Recommendations and an invitation for public comment will be posted on the City of Concord website at this location, and become available at the City of Concord City Manager's Office, Community Grants office, and the Concord Public Library on May 21.

Council will conduct a Public Hearing to consider the CSC recommendations and public comment on June 1.  Jurisdictions must submit to HUD Substantial Amendments to their 2008-09 Action Plan by June 5.  Those applicants that are awarded CDBG-R grant funding must be able to award contracts in July 2009.  All funds must be expended by September 30, 2012.

Application

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to call Teri House at 925-439-9567 to discuss their potential project, its eligibility, and the application.  All recipients of funds must obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. A DUNS number may be requested via the web at:  http://www.grants.gov/applicants/request_duns_number.jsp

The application requires a timeline of the project so please consider the July starting time frame when preparing your timeline. Applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 18, 2009.  Please email applications to thouse@ci.concord.ca.us or deliver to 2974 Salvio Street, Concord, Attention Teri House.
  • Download Application

Reporting Requirements

Recipients of CDBG-R funds will be required in their contract to submit quarterly reports within 10 days after the end of each quarter.  This report will contain: 1) the total amount of recovery funds received; 2) the amount of recovery funds expended; 3) evaluation of the completion status of the project; 4) an estimate of the number of jobs created and number of jobs retained by the project and possibly other project data.  All funds must be expended and projects completed by September 30, 2012