Minot Proposes Community Action Plan | Video

Amy Fox | 6/26/2012

Back in the spring, Minot received more than $67 million dollars in federal funds to provide assistance for the mouse river flood recovery. Now, the city is deciding how to distribute it.

Today, city leaders and staff introduced their proposed community action plan for Minot. The Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funds are to be used towards future infrastructure and housing projects in Minot that have not already taken place.

Part of the proposal includes providing individual assistance to low-to-moderate income families. Under the proposed action plan, the city would not be providing individuals with cash, but rather assistance with materials and services.

As City Finance Director Cindy Hemphill explained, once the city approves a plan, people can begin to apply. "We`ll set-up an application process that will, of course, have tons of documentation. Of course, the process is never easy. We`ll have to go through all the duplication of benefits and verification of income. And, one person may need $60,000, another may only need $10,000. So, depending on the needs, it will depend on how far the money will be able to go and it will be kind of be a first come first serve basis. When the money is gone, it`s gone, unfortunately."

The proposal also includes repairing and expanding water and sewer services, providing infrastructure for developers, and undertaking an affordable housing study and development plan.

On Thursday night, the city will hold a public hearing and provide comments on the proposed Action Plan. The hearing is at City Hall from 6:30-8:00 p.m.

For more information on the proposed Action Plan or to leave a comment, go to: www.minotrecoveryinfo.com.

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