Staff Writer

A state grant program could provide funds to local communities for infrastructure improvements and business development.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Cities Program will receive $23.2 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for 2008.

Union County Council and the Catawba Regional Planning Council will host a planning meeting at noon Wednesday at the Union County Courthouse to discuss local projects that would be eligible for funding. Supervisor Donnie Betenbaugh said the county's incorporated municipalities - Union, Jonesville, Lockhart and Carlisle - have been invited to participate. They will be told what funds are available, what projects would be eligible and help determine if the county could partner with them on any of those projects.

“We just want to make sure the towns understand what's out there and what's available and see if there is any opportunity for the county to partner with them on any such projects along with Catawba Regional,” he said. “We want to make sure that all the municipalities in the county are able to participate in this if they have questions.”

All CDBG-funded projects must benefit low- and moderate-income persons; eliminate slums and blight; and address urgent community needs. The primary CDBG programs are: