Covington community improvement projects receive federal money

Covington is looking to attract additional funding to further investment in the community from existing and potential stakeholders through programs like HUD's Community Development Block Grant and HOME. For Covington and other HUD-funded areas, the city’s Programs and Strategic Projects division hosted a series of public input forums during 2013 and early 2014 where citizen feedback was gathered, considered and used to determine which projects needed funding.
 
HUD funds focus on improving green space, neighborhood revitalization and economic development opportunities, plus public improvement, residential programs and public service. Federal CDBG and HOME programs concentrate funding on projects that enhance public infrastructure and residential properties. Regulations for these programs do allow for a more creative use of funding, depending on local decision-making, public input and community need.
 
Feedback supported recommendations that include allocating $50,000 to improve amenities in Mainstrasse’s Goebel Park and a playground improvement for Latonia Elementary School. The community raised $60,000 for the playground, and the city is contributing $20,000 for the project.
 
The public also wanted access to homeowner repair incentives, so the city created the Code Enforcement Hardship Program that provides grants to homeowners who were cited with code violations but couldn’t afford to address problems. The new Homeowner Repair Program will focus on providing grants for emergency repairs like furnace replacement and plumbing issues.
 
Money allocated to the Homebuyer Assistance Program increased due to a heightened interest in purchasing homes in Covington. Last year, the city allocated $148,162, and this year, the program will receive $205,553.
 
By Caitlin Koenig
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