Public Input Sought For Amendment To CDBG Annual Action Plan To Receive CARES Funding

Press release from the City of Ames:

May 29, 2020

The public is encouraged to provide input to the City of Ames’ request for a second Substantial Amendment to its CDBG 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan, in order to receive $354,515 in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) ACT funding (Public Law 116-136). The CARES Act funds are available for “eligible activities” meeting the national objective of the CDBG program and to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The following two programs are being proposed:

1. Rent/Utility Relief Assistance Program
2. Mortgage/Utility Relief Assistance Program

These programs would be implemented on a community-wide basis for residents economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, as part of this amendment, the City has revised its 2019 Citizen Participation Plan to expedite the use of these funds. Because City Hall is closed to the public until July 1, the revised Annual Action Plan and Citizen Participation Plan are only available for review on the City’s website at www.CityOfAmes.org/Housing. The public comment period begins Saturday, May 30, and concludes at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, June 4. Public comments must be sent via email to Vanessa Baker-Latimer, Housing Coordinator at: cdbgcares2020@cityofames.org

To make public comments by phone, call the Housing Division’s Hotline number at 515.239.5380 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Ames City Council will conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the second amendment to the 2019-2020 Action Plan at its regularly scheduled meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9. Due to the pandemic, all City Council meeting are being conducting via videoconferencing. For more information on the City Council meeting, go to www.CityOfAmes.org/CCmeetings

For special accommodations to participate in the Council meeting due to a disability or language translation, please contact Baker-Latimer at 515.239.5400 or the TDD at 515.239.5133 by Friday, June 5, 2020.

This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author’s own.