Supervisors to consider HUD funding plan

A project has surfaced as a possible candidate for Carson City's Housing and Urban Development funding that would aid the construction of affordable housing, a city official said Monday.

With $536,000 to spend next year, city supervisors will review a list of projects Thursday. A final recommendation is expected to be decided then and forwarded to HUD officials.

Staff initially considered a list that included a $109,000 project to repair the Blue Line Trail to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards, a wireless downtown network installation, a new playground at Fritsch Elementary, a revolving loan fund for job creation, a housing energy efficiency study and sidewalk improvements.

Other programs would include $10,000 for homeless services, $35,000 for the Boys & Girls Club's busing program and $35,000 for seniors' legal services.

After public comment, city staff has found another project that would build a water system in east Carson along Highway 50 to speed the development of affordable housing, said program administrator Joe McCarthy, who directs the city's Economic Development and Redevelopment department.

The project would require $100,000 to be trimmed from other projects on the list to supplement a $2.6 million cost to install the system.

"It's a potential location for the development of affordable housing in that area," McCarthy said.

The project would also facilitate commercial development and job creation for the low- to moderate-income population.

Carson City will receive its first payment of the Community Development Block Grant funding for 2005, after meeting the federal 50,000 population mark.

HUD economic development funding provides cities flexibility to choose many types of projects, as long as they serve a neighborhood that is comprised mostly of moderate- or low-income residents. Funding can be used for economic development, home ownership, affordable housing and programs for those residents. A Carson City family of four making $48,000 or less a year is considered moderate- or low-income.

IF YOU GO

What: Board of Supervisors' regular meeting

When: After 9 a.m. Thursday

Where: Sierra Room, Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.

Contact Jill Lufrano at jlufrano@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.