Notice is hereby given that Schuylkill County, on Behalf of Borough of Tamaqua will hold a public hearing on May 19, 2021 at 6:30 P.M. e Council Chambers at the Tamaqua Municipal Building, 320 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA. This meeting is accessible to persons with disabilities and/or persons with limited English proficiency. If you wish to attend and require special accommodations, please notify Gary Bender, Schuylkill County Administrator, 570-628-1222 or gbender@co.schuylkill.pa.us. TDD users 7-1-1 PA Telecommunications Relay Center.

The purpose of the hearing is to discuss the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program in general, the needs of the community that can be met with CDBG funding, and performance under the previously funded CDBG program years and the Three-Year Community Development Plan of the Borough. The hearing will also discuss the use of potential additional CDBG CV funds allocated to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.

Schuylkill County on Behalf of the Borough of Tamaqua anticipates an approximate allocation of $124,800 in FY 2021 CDBG funds from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. At least 70% of the funds must be used to benefit low- and moderate-income persons. The proposed activities must benefit at least 51% low-moderate income persons in the service area to qualify as an eligible project. The application submission deadline to the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has not yet been announced but we assume it will be early November 2021.

The following types of activities may be eligible for funding under the CDBG Program: water and sewer line replacement and improvements; housing rehabilitation; construction of affordable housing; construction/reconstruction of public/community facilities; recreational facilities; public services that are new or provide quantifiable increases in the delivery of services; street improvements; historic preservation; removal of architectural barriers; code enforcement; economic development; acquisition and relocation; clearance and demolition; and general administration, planning, audit if required, and preparation of the CDBG application.

If the Borough of Tamaqua would undertake activities that result in the displacement of families or individuals, then Schuylkill County’s policy for minimizing such displacement would be in effect. The Borough of Tamaqua is responsible for replacing all low- and moderate-income housing units that may be demolished or converted as a result of the use of CDBG funds.

In addition, the Borough may also receive additional allocation(s) of CDBG-CV funding authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) of 2020. Tamaqua will discuss unmet needs in the community and potential uses of CDBG-CV funding to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus. CDBG Program regulations apply.

All interested parties are invited to attend the public hearing and give oral testimony at the Public hearing or present written comments concerning the needs of the community, proposed CDBG activities, the prior use of funds, as well as the CDBG program in general. Comments may be submitted to the Schuylkill County Administrator, Court House, 401 N. 2nd St., Pottsville, PA 17901 or gbender@co.schuylkill.pa.us by September 30, 2021.

By order of

Linda A. Deatrich, Chief ClerkPu