LEWISBURG, W.V. (LOOTPRESS) – Region 4 Planning and Development Council has agreed to write a small cities grant application for the City of Lewisburg. City Council approved the mayor’s authorization of the application during Tuesday’s regular meeting.
Region 4 Planning Assistant Donna Ward says the grant, a new Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant called Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MT), could potentially award Lewisburg $250,000 to complete a study of the city’s stormwater system. The city will not be required to match any awarded funds.
City officials say the study of the stormwater system is the first step in compiling a comprehensive plan which Lewisburg currently does not have.
The city also needs a comprehensive plan to utilize incoming funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP). The city does not qualify to use the money on internet services or other designated areas, but it can create a comprehensive plan of stormwater issues and then utilize the funding to resolve those issues.
The city’s main objective for the ARP funds is to install new sidewalks.
Ward says she is willing to compile the application but needs an engineer report to determine the scope of the project before moving forward.
“Having a study is very important. It’s the first step in future funding,” Ward said. “The more information you have to back up future applications, the better off you are. It’s an important step for the city.”
City officials agreed with Ward, stating that this is a great opportunity for the city. Council granted Region 4 permission to apply for the grant.
The application is due July 6, 2021.
