Public Notice and Notice of Public Hearing

Posted by City Hall on Jan 11, 2021

The City of Vernoniais eligible to apply for a 2021 Community Development Block Grant from Business Oregon. Community Development Block Grant funds come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The grants can be used for public facilities and housing improvements, primarily for persons with low and moderate incomes.

Approximately $12 million will be awarded to Oregon non-metropolitan cities and counties in 2021. The maximum grant that a city or county can receive is $2,000,000.

The City of Vernonia is preparing an application for a 2021 Community Development Block Grant from the Oregon Business Development Department for repairs and improvements to the sewer system. It is estimated that the proposed project will benefit at least 950 persons, of whom 51% will be of low or moderate income. Edited to add additional description: The project is intended to address overflow problems. Proposed improvements include pipe replacement, upsizing, and slip lining as well as the installation of a new pump station.

A public hearing will be held by the City Council at 7:00 pm on Monday, Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at City Hall, 1001 Bridge Street, Vernonia, Oregon. The purpose of this hearing is for the City Council to obtain citizen views and to respond to questions and comments about community development and housing needs, especially the needs of low- and moderate-income persons, as well as other needs in the community that might be assisted with a Community Development Block Grant project, and the proposed project.

Written comments are also welcome and must be received by Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 1001 Bridge Street, Vernonia, Oregon 97064. Both oral and written comments will be considered by the City Council in deciding whether to apply.

The hearing will be held virtually. Please contact Stephanie Borst at 503.429.5291 if you will need any special accommodations or to participate in the meeting.

More information about Oregon Community Development Block Grants, the proposed project, and records about the City’s past use of Community Development Block Grant funds is available for public review at 1001 Bridge Street, Vernonia, Oregon during regular office hours. Advance notice is requested. If special accommodations are needed, please notify Stephanie Borst at 503-429-5291 ext. 105 so that appropriate assistance can be provided.

Permanent involuntary displacement of persons or businesses is not anticipated as a result from the proposed project. If displacement becomes necessary, alternatives will be examined to minimize the displacement and provide required/reasonable benefits to those displaced. Any low- and moderate-income housing which is demolished or converted to another use will be replaced.