By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
TRENTON — Spring construction projects include an anticipated $70,000 worth of road and street repairs courtesy of Community Development Block Grant Funds approved last week by city council.
City Administrator Jim Wagner said that Monday’s meeting concluded with a plan for $120,000 worth of CDBG funds. City officials also approved $20,000 to continue senior transportation, $20,000 for housing rehabilitation and $10,000 for administration.
Community Development Block Grant funds are awarded annually to municipalities by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Which roads will benefit from the grant remains to be seen, Wagner said.
“We’re waiting for the weather to clear and see how bad they are,” Wagner said. “Engineering will look at what streets can be improved or need work.”
The lesser amounts awarded continue or contribute to existing programs. Senior transportation provided by the grant is used by nearly 800 elderly residents, Wagner said, and the $20,000 for housing joins existing projects to restore city homes.
The funds help, but Wagner said that Trenton is in a situation similar to many Downriver communities. Department meetings for late last week were scheduled to review an estimated $1.1 million budget loss due to declining property values.
“We may have a shortfall,” Wagner said of pending budget reviews.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected])