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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Gov. Beshear announces $1 million community enhancement project in Mt. Sterling
MT. STERLING, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear, along with local officials, today announced a $1 million grant to the city of Mt. Sterling that will significantly enhance community development efforts.
The $1 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) will fund the fourth phase of a housing redevelopment project to revitalize the Mattie Lee neighborhood in Mt. Sterling.
“Kentuckians, at the very least, deserve to live in clean, safe and secure communities,” said Gov. Beshear. “This CDBG-funded redevelopment project will not only improve the safety and sanitary conditions of the Mattie Lee neighborhood, it will provide residents with a quality, comfortable space they can truly call home.”
The project includes funding for land acquisition, structure demolition, neighborhood rehabilitation and reconstruction and the relocation of occupants who live in the area. The structure demolition will involve the clearance of 13 dilapidated housing structures and allow for the reconstruction of new housing on 10 rezoned lots. Relocated occupants who previously owned homes in the area will be encouraged to use their relocation payments to construct new homes on lots within the project locale. The remaining lots will be sold to nonprofit developers to construct Low to Moderate Income (LMI) housing.
“Given recent economic challenges, we too often choose to ignore or simply raze depressed, blighted areas in our communities,” said Department for Local Government Commissioner Tony Wilder. “This project demonstrates how state and local governments can work together to effectively rehabilitate these areas and make them viable, vibrant neighborhoods.”
“The Mattie Lee Project is a model for well planned and executed neighborhood redevelopment,” said Sen. R. J. Palmer, of Winchester. “This sustained revitalization effort fits the goals of the CDBG program perfectly and will benefit Mt. Sterling residents for many years to come.”
All new homes constructed with CDBG funds will comply with Universal Design Requirements and will be served by the Mt. Sterling Water and Sewer Commission. Additional public enhancements to the area will include new sidewalks and storm drainage, curb and gutter improvements.
“I think it is important to take care of our communities and neighbors and this project will revitalize the Mattie Lee neighborhood,” said Rep. John Will Stacy, of West Liberty. “This is a perfect example of how state and local officials can work together to rebuild a community.”
“I’d like to thank Gov. Beshear for funding this project that serves as an opportunity for the city to revitalize and improve an existing neighborhood,” said Mt. Sterling Mayor Gary Williamson. “The Mattie Lee Project has substantially increased the preservation, production and affordability of safe housing for low-to-moderate income individuals and families. Its’ success gives homeowners a true sense of community by enhancing community pride and involvement, and for that, we, the city of Mt. Sterling, are very appreciative.”
“We are very thankful and fortunate to receive this money on behalf of Governor Beshear for the purpose of better housing for the residents of our community,” said Montgomery County Judge Executive Floyd Arnold. “We thank him not only for this funding, but for all of the support he has given to our community.”
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