The City Council of Midland, Texas will hold a public comment period from September 23, 2020, to September 30, 2020. The purpose of the public comment period is to allow the public to participate in the development of the City’s (COVID) Community Development Program relief projects funds.
The City has received a grant of approximately $1,441,115 for 2020 from the Coronavirus Aid Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) for the express purpose and in resonance to the effects of this historic public health crisis. The CARES Act adds additional flexibility for both the CDBG-CV grant and, in some cases, for the annual FY2020 CDBG grants in these unprecedented times.
The public comment period is reduced to not less than 5 days; grantees may use virtual public hearings when necessary for public health reasons, the public services cap is suspended during the emergency, and States and local governments may reimburse costs of eligible activities incurred for pandemic response regardless of the date.
In addition, the CARES Act authorizes the Secretary to grant waivers and alternative requirements of statutes and regulations the Secretary administers in connection with the use of CDBG-CV funds and fiscal year 2020 and 2021 CDBG funds (except for requirements related to fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor standards, and the environment).
Waivers and alternative requirements can be granted when necessary to expedite and facilitate the use of funds to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.
For further information, call the City’s Community Development Office at 685-7408 or 685-7472.