Lezlie Ballis, project manager from the Energy/Housing Department at Lakes & Pines, is well aware of the need in Carlton County for funding to help rehabilitate housing and commercial buildings.
Ballis co-wrote the grant application seeking the Small Cities Development Program funds with Pat Oman at Carlton County Economic Development.
What she didn't know, however, was the extent of interest and abundance of applications she would receive - over 100 homeowners, rental property owners and commercial property owners applied for a piece of the $741,000 pie.
"The response has been overwhelming," she said.
Ballis has been receiving grant applications since May and 60 people showed up at an informational meeting at the Carlton County Courthouse in early June, according to Oman.
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The high level of interest has caused a delay in response time, Ballis said. She planned to have the grant money awarded by early July and she is now hoping to inform applicants of their grant application status by the end of July.
"Applicants can expect a letter about whether they will receive grant money within the next two weeks," she explained.
Because this round of funding is very competitive and limited to 16 homes, 10 rental units and 10 commercial properties, the county has outlined priorities from historic value to high visibility and community importance to help make determinations.
Although the sum of money is not enough to help everyone in the county at this time, Oman said they will continue to seek funding from the state program.
"Ballis is going to approach the state for additional funding," he said. "We wanted $1.4 million and we need that - it is justified."
Once the current round of projects is funded, local, licensed and insured contractors are selected to bid and perform the work. Rehabilitation activities for projects through this program include repair/replacement of siding, windows, doors, heating systems, plumbing, electrical and roofing.
The Small Cities Development Program is a competitive grant program that cities and townships (with a population under 50,000) or counties (with a population under 200,000) can apply for through the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development.
The Small Cities Development Program is funded through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Indian tribal governments and larger cities, which can received direct funding from HUD, are ineligible for this program.
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Lakes & Pines Community Action Council, Inc. helps communities apply for and administer Small Cities Development Program grant funds.
