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March 2, 2010 For more information, contact: Irondale Conducting Income Survey IRONDALE—Some 174 residents living in Irondale are receiving income surveys from the city in an effort to determine and document the area's eligibility to apply for a state Community Development Block Grant to install a new water distribution system, including new meters, new controls and a new water storage tank. Residents are asked to complete the survey and return by March 15. A stamped envelope was included with each survey for easy return. Community Development Block Grant funds are available on a competitive basis annually through the Missouri Department of Economic Development for projects such as this one, explained Kelly Sink-Blair, a community development specialist with Meramec Regional Planning Commission. MRPC is assisting the city with the income survey and grant application. The state receives the funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The city must demonstrate that at least 51 percent of its residents are of low-to-moderate income to qualify for state funding. An income survey is necessary to determine if the area meets the grant criteria. “We are excited about the possibility of securing the funds to improve our water system. This is an opportunity for members of our community to participate and show support by completing the survey,” said Mayor Ron Kennon. “If we are able to make these upgrades to our water system, we will be able to improve our water pressure throughout the community and keep our water safe,” Kennon stressed. If the area qualifies, the application will be prepared and submitted for funding. In an effort to upgrade an aging water system and improve performance, the city is seeking funding to replace 45,000 feet of line, 190 meters and construct a new 150,000 gallon water storage tank. The CDBG program can provide up to $500,000 on infrastructure projects. The estimated cost of the project is $2.085 million. The city recently procured for engineering services for preliminary design of the water system improvements. At least 80 percent of those households receiving a survey must return them, in order for the survey to be valid. “ We would like to see as close to 100 percent return rate on the surveys because that demonstrates to the funding agency that the community supports the project and truly needs it,” Sink-Blair said. Of those returning surveys, at least 51 percent must be low-to-moderate income. The survey will take about five minutes for residents to complete. Residents will be asked their family size, their income range, race/ethnicity and the make up of the family—for example, whether it includes elderly or a female head of household. Survey information is confidential. Residents are encouraged to return the completed survey by March 15. Persons with specific questions may contact Irondale City Hall at 573-749-3223 or Kelly Sink-Blair at MRPC at (573) 265-2993. |