This week, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced local governments now have the opportunity to apply for the Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Relief Program.
The CDBG-CV program is designed to help local governments prepare, prevent, and respond to the health and economic impacts of COVID-19 with the governor’s office noting that $92 million is available.
CDBG-CV funds are allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Program activities must be critical to the area and primarily benefit of low- and moderate-income residents.
“As Florida communities continue responding to and recovering from the pandemic, this funding will provide local governments and their communities with vital support,” said DeSantis. “Many thanks to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for swiftly allocating this funding to help Florida communities address their needs.”
The pre-application cycle is now open for both CDBG-CV Entitlement and Small Cities programs. The pre-application cycle is required for communities to provide project information in order for DEO to perform a review and provide technical assistance to applicants to ensure project or program viability.
“In the midst of this unprecedented pandemic, we encourage communities to take advantage of the Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus Relief Program resource,” said DEO Executive Director Dane Eagle. “The Department is proud to partner with local governments to put this funding to good use.”
CDBG-CV Entitlement and Small Cities program funds will be awarded following a pre-application and final application process for eligible activities approved by DEO. Funding for the CDBG-CV Entitlement program will be awarded up to the amount of the entitlement community’s allocation. Eligible activities include acquisition of public property for public works facilities and sites; public improvements; business and microenterprise assistance; public services; project planning; and, broadband planning and public infrastructure.
To determine your community’s eligibility, view the CDBG-CV Entitlement Program Eligible Communities and CDBG-CV Small Cities Program Eligible Communities lists.
Pre-applications for the CDBG-CV Small Cities program must be completed and submitted online no later than 5pm on March 15, 2021. More information about funding allocations for Entitlement communities, as well as the pre-application and application process can be found at FloridaJobs.org/CDBG-CV.
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