MEDIA RELEASE

The County of Hawaii’s Office of Housing and Community Development will be applying for federal funds pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is seeking qualified entities to implement eligible projects and activities in the county.  

The CDBG Program allocation to the county under the Recovery Act is estimated to be $647,364. 

The CDBG Program enables the county to undertake a wide range of activities intended to create suitable living environments, provide decent affordable housing and create economic opportunities, primarily for persons of low- and moderate-income.  

To be eligible for funding the proposed project or activity must be eligible as described in Title 24, Code of Federal Regulations Sections 570.200 through 570.205 and 570.207. 

Applications for funds from the CDBG Program in accordance with the Recovery Act must be received by 4 p.m. March 31 at the county Office of Housing and Community Development, 50 Wailuku Drive, Hilo, Hawaii  96720.  

Applications received after that time and date shall not be considered. 

To be eligible for funding under this program, applicants must complete a project proposal form containing but not limited to the following:

* A brief and concise summary of the proposed project or activity;

* Explain how the proposed project will directly address and resolve a Community Development Goal and high or medium Priority Community Development Need as outlined in the County’s 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan;

* Describe the persons who will directly benefit from the proposed project in terms of the number of persons and income level and, as applicable, age and special needs;

* Describe how the proposed project or activity can begin within 120 days and expend funds within 12 months of the grant award;

* Describe the number of jobs that will be created or retained by the project or activity, whether the jobs are temporary or long-term and other economic benefit as applicable;

* A brief and concise description of your organization and mission;

* Project Budget Form(s);

* Project Schedule Form.

Funding priority shall be given to projects or activities that can award contracts based on bids within 120 days and expend funds within 12 months of grant award as well as maximize job creation, retention and economic benefit. 

To be eligible for funding under this Program, applicants must certify that they have documented capacity to:  

* Comply with all applicable requirements of all federal, state and county laws, executive orders, regulations, policies and program requirements governing the CDBG Program and the Recovery Act; and

* Provide additional information and documentation as requested by the OHCD, which may include but not be limited to audited and/or internal financial statements, proof of site control, Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, federal tax returns, and list of board of directors and officers.

Application under this request shall be not construed as an obligation of funds. The county reserves the right to incorporate or not incorporate any recommendations presented in response to this request in its application for funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  

The OHCD will administer the CDBG Program of the Recovery Act for the county. 

Potential applicants interested in responding to this request may do so by contacting Brian Ishimoto, housing specialist at 961-8379 or e-mail at ohcdcdbg@co.hawaii.hi.us to request and obtain required project application forms. 

Application packets can be found at http://co.hawaii.hi.us/directory/dir_housing.htm . (Look for the link at the bottom of the bottom of the page for the “2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Program.”)