Columbus County approves $625,000 in additional CDBG funds for neighborhood revitalization project

The Columbus County Board of Commissioners voted to accept an additional $625,000 in Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization (CDBG NR) funds to supplement an existing $950,000 grant for demolishing and rebuilding five homes.

Assistant County Manager Gail Edwards told the board the county "has a CDBG NR, which is neighborhood revitalization grant in the amount of $950,000 to tear down and rebuild 5 homes" and that the funding agency "made us aware" of an extra $625,000 now available. Edwards said a public hearing was required before the board could approve the amended project ordinance.

The board moved and voted to approve the ordinance to accept the additional funds. Chair called for the motion and the vote, which passed by voice vote after a motion by Commissioner Bullard and a second by Commissioner Byrd.

The amended project ordinance directs the additional funds to the existing 2023 NR project; Edwards said the funds would be used in the same scope of work (demolition and rebuilding of the five homes), but she did not provide a line-item breakdown during the meeting. The assistant county manager noted the public hearing requirement and that agenda item 11 sought formal approval to accept the funds.

Next steps: with the ordinance approved, staff will execute the amended project ordinance and proceed with program administration under the requirements of the funding agency. The board did not specify a timeline for contract execution or homeowner selection during the meeting.