2011 CDBG Applicants’ Workshop Important Reminders for 2011

2011 CDBG Applicants’ Workshop

Important Reminders for 2011

Page 22011 CDBG Applicants’ Workshop December 6-8, 2010

Documentation

• This is key▪ Use multiple sources▪ Use third party documentation as much as

possible▪ Document health and safety hazards


Use Appendix E

• We supplement the text of the manual with suggestions for competitive applications


Photographs

• All sets of photographs must be in color

• Photographs should be dated▪ Assists in showing prevalence and frequency

• Photographs should be keyed to a map


Suggestion – Resident Letters

• Don’t let us wonder whether a letter is from a target area resident

• Key resident letters to a map


Maps

• We still see missing concentration maps▪ LMI, substandard housing, and minority

concentrations

• Omitting maps can result in lower scores

• Omitting maps can raise FHEO concerns


Presumed Benefit

• Presumed benefit only applies to LMC projects

• Common example▪ Nursing homes in a TA must be surveyed


Survey Methodology

• Census data will not provide needed data on LMI benefit


Joint Applications

• Required when less than 51% of beneficiaries are located in applicant’s jurisdiction

• DCA may grant exceptions, but only in writing

• Request an exception no later than March 1, 2010


Reminders – Budgets

Round to the nearest dollar!


Administration Costs

• Administration allowed as cash match▪ Dollar amounts and percentages must be

reasonable▪ Reminder -- Administration allowed as

leverage• Dollar amounts and percentages must be

reasonable


Appendix O

• Applicable beginning with the 2008 Competition

• Especially important to water and sewer projects

• Review panels access both water and sewer rate dashboards and local government audits during the review process

• “Rule of thumb” is 1.25% of MHI for water and 1.25% for sewer


Appendix O

• Discuss financial alternatives

• Provide a financial projection of water and sewer rates

• Provide turndown letters

• Don’t leave us looking at online information without making your case!▪ Lot’s of cash?▪ Below rule of thumb?▪ No discussion of alternatives?


New for 2010 – Appendix O

See the following link for dashboards…

http://www.efc.unc.edu/RatesDashboards/ga.htm

See the following link for dashboards…

http://www.efc.unc.edu/RatesDashboards/ga.htm


Appendix P

• Applicants must:▪ Discuss plans for implementing Section 3

requirements along with other applicable laws and regulations (e.g., the Uniform Act)

▪ A brief, thorough description of plans for implementing Section 3 requirements will enhance an applicant’s chances of receiving the maximum score on Feasibility.


Drainage Standards

• DOT standards identify a 25-year flood design standard for local road drainage improvements. Standards greater than 25 years must be explained and justified in the CDBG application


RAS Deadlines

• All RAS applications, annual updates, or renewals must be submitted in full no later than April 1, 2011 in order for RAS benefits to be applicable to the 2011 Annual Competition▪ Including but not limited to the ability to apply

for CDBG funds in RAS areas every year and bonus points.


Sole Source Approvals

• Description of the procurement process

• Tear sheet of the Request for Proposals

• List of the active, qualified consultants or engineers/architects that were mailed the Request for Proposals

• Certified return receipt documentation or adequate email documentation that the Request for Proposals was delivered as required


Water & Sewer Hookups

• Water and sewer hookups on private property cannot be paid for with CDBG funds unless the household served is low- to moderate-income



• Applicants should discuss how water and sewer hookups, water and sewer service line replacements, and septic tank closures will be paid for in order to increase the likelihood of a maximum score

• Water and sewer laterals from the street to the private property line are eligible CDBG expenses regardless of income



• Applicants should indicate that all target area households will be connected to the CDBG-proposed improvements (and all septic tanks properly closed, if applicable) in order to increase the likelihood of a maximum score



• DCA will accept as documentation of low- and moderate-income status area surveys that are three years old or less

• Local funds used to pay for hookups may be counted as match or leverage


Questions?

Documents

2011 CDBG Applicants’ Workshop Important Reminders for 2011