County supervisors lay out plans for CDBG funds
San Bernardino County supervisors are planning on meting out millions of dollars in federal funds for senior programs, construction projects, youth recreation and other services in their districts.
The Board of Supervisors on April 7 approved the allocation of $6.9 million in community development block grant funds to be used in the county's five supervisorial districts. The funds are made available every year, and contingent upon approval from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which is expected to reach a decision in May, said Burt Southard, spokemsman for board chairman Gary Ovitt.
Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales is planning on doling out $152,750 to 11 nonprofits in her district, including the San Bernardino-based Time for Change Foundation, which operates shelters for battered women and their children. It will receive $10,000.
Burglars broke into the nonprofit's headquarters on Easter Sunday, making off with about $15,000 worth of property.
"It definitely couldn't have come at a better time," said Kim Carter, executive director of Time for Change Foundation. She said the funds have been earmarked for health and liability insurance and the organization's annual audit.
Second District Supervisor Paul Biane plans to use the $307,695 allocated for his district for free senior meals, youth recreation, literacy programs and sidewalk construction, among other things.
"Investing in programs that have proven track records helps us ensure that these precious grant dollars are having positive impacts in second district communities," Biane said in a news release.
Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt is securing $433,000 for his district, and plans to use the funds primarily for construction projects and service programs.
Among the projects are a $7,000 skatepark in Adelanto and security bars and windows for the Oro Grande Community Center, which will cost $45,000.
More than $575,000 has been allocated for Supervisor Neil Derry's district, which includes $44,000 for security upgrades at the public water supply facility in the Morongo Valley, $35,000 for the installation of energy efficient multi-pane windows and doors at a Joshua Tree preschool and $10,000 for the continuation of domestic violence shelter services in Joshua Tree.
Supervisor Gary Ovitt plans to use $170,000 of the $211,930 allocated for his district for the acquisition of right-of-way and construction of curb, gutter and sidewalk along two stretches of Howard Street in Ontario.
Other allocations in Ovitt's district include $10,000 for the House of Ruth domestic violence shelter in Montclair and $7,250 for the expansion of fitness opportunities for the elderly and disabled in Chino.
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