By Tim Leeds
The public hearing Monday night was held to hear about needs for improvement that Havre could apply for Community Development Block Grants to fund.
Craig Erickson, planner for Bear Paw Development Corporation North Montana, ran the hearing.
The federal grants are administered by the Montana Department of Commerce. They can be applied for in three areas: economic development, housing and public facilities. The maximum amount that can be applied for in each area is $400,000. The project the grant is applied for to fund must be shown to benefit low- and middle-income people.
Realtor Kim Cripps said the housing rehabilitation and first-time home-buyer accounts, originally funded by CDBG dollars, are very helpful, but are limited. She said augmenting this fund would be very helpful.
Cripps said handicap-accessible housing is in short supply in the area, and funding for this would benefit the community.
City Councilwoman Emily Meyer-Lossing said she would like to see some of the funds applied for to help in historic preservation in the community.
State congressional candidate John Musgrove said improvements on the storm drain system on the east end of town are needed for public facility improvements.
Janine Donoven, owner of JM Donoven Designs, said funding for a community trail system around Havre would be a good project.
