By Dawn Krebs
dkrebs@hometownnewsol.com
FORT PIERCE - At the Fort Pierce City Commissioner meeting on July 16, a public hearing was held detailing the city's action plan for fiscal year 2012-13.
The action plan is a detailed document specifying how money in the community development block grant program is spent by city officials. The money is from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and can only be used to benefit low-and moderate-income residents.
The plan is a requirement by HUD to show where the money is going. The decisions were made by the Fort Pierce Communitywide Council, a group consisting of city employees and residents.
This year, the city is expected to receive approximately $516,568, and the money is broken down into eight categories including code enforcement, economic and job development and youth supportive service projects.
A portion of the money will be used to pay for the salaries and benefits for two city code enforcement officers, estimated to be approximately $60,000.
Another $24,500 is earmarked for renovation of the historic Kings Inn building, which is planned to be used for micro-business startups.
Keeping its eye on job creation, some of the money will go toward providing grants to businesses focusing on eco-tourism.
For youth programs, approximately $60,000 has been budgeted, and another $100,000 has been budgeted to help community-based development organizations.
The second public hearing about how the money is to be spent will be held at the Fort Pierce Commission meeting on Aug. 6, where the public will again be invited to participate in commenting on the plan.
For more information about the plan, call Libby Woodruff, the city's grants administrator, at (772) 460-220, Ext. 254, or email her at ewoodruff@city-ftpierce.com.