Lee County seeks $720,000 CDBG grant to extend waterline to Flower Gap–Fairview

Lee County supervisors on May 21 voted to support a Community Development Block Grant application that would extend a public waterline into the Flower Gap–Fairview area.

Jimmy Askins, director of planning at the Glenowisco Planning District Commission, told the board the project would install approximately 21,400 linear feet of new water main and is designed to connect 24 new customers to the Public Service Authority system. The application to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development requests the $30,000 per‑connection maximum available under CDBG rules, for a $720,000 CDBG ask; Askins said other funding sources are being sought to cover the project’s estimated total cost — roughly $1,579,362.

"This is the second of two required public hearings…this one is project specific," Askins said, describing the application, its eligibility thresholds and the typical state review timetable. He said the state scoring and award process can take about four to six months, followed by pre‑contract negotiations and an environmental review before construction can begin.

Resident Sheila Horton, who said she has gone door to door in the affected area, told the board neighbors include homes with no indoor water service. "There is one house there that has no water at all," Horton said. "They really need it." Askins responded that the proposal is intended as phase 1 of a longer effort and that additional funding will be required to reach more households.

The board then moved to adopt a resolution supporting the county’s CDBG application (listed in the meeting materials as resolution 24‑004). The motion carried by voice vote with no opposing votes.

Why it matters: the CDBG program requires local public hearings and a local resolution of support; eligibility depends on meeting national objectives such as a high share of low‑ and moderate‑income beneficiaries. Askins said the county will conduct income surveys to demonstrate the project’s need and eligibility under the program.

Next steps: the application deadline staff referenced is mid‑June; Askins said applicants typically learn award decisions several months after submission. If funded, the county would move into pre‑contract negotiations and environmental review before advertising construction bids.