Notice is hereby given that the County of Clarion will hold a Public Hearing on July 26, 2023 at 6:00 p.m., prevailing time, in the Conference Room on the 1.5t Floor of the Clarion County Administrative Building, 330 Main Street, Clarion, PA, 16214. This meeting is accessible to individuals with disabilities and/or for persons with Limited English Proficiency. If you wish to attend and require special accommodations, please contact Kristi Amato, Director, Clarion County Department of Planning and Development, at (814) 226-4000, extension 2800, kamato@co.clarion.pa.us as soon as possible.

The purpose of the Public Hearing is to discuss the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program in general, offer citizens an opportunity to provide input into the development of Clarion County's needs, discuss performance under the previously funded CDBG Program years and to offer suggestions for the development of Clarion County's Three-Year Plan for FFY 2023-2025. Information regarding the prior uses of CDBG funds will also be available.

The County of Clarion is expected to receive an allocation of $249,126 in FY 2023 CDBG funds from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. At least 70% of the available funding must be used for activities which benefit low and moderate income persons. The proposed activities must benefit at least 51% low-moderate income persons in the service area to qualify as a low-moderate income project. The PA Department of Community and Economic Development has announced the application submission deadline of October 27, 2023.

The following types of activities may be eligible for funding under the CDBG program: water and sewer line replacement and improvements, housing rehabilitation, construction of affordable housing, recreational facilities, construction/reconstruction of public/community facilities, public services that are new or provide quantifiable increases in the delivery of services, street improvements, historic preservation, removal of architectural barriers, code enforcement, economic development, acquisition and relocation, clearance and demolition and general administration.

The County of Clarion is responsible for replacing all low and moderate income housing units that may be demolished or converted as a result of the use of CDBG funds. However, the displacement of persons as a result of projects selected will be avoided to the greatest extent possible. A Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Policy and Fair Housing Policy have been adopted by Clarion County for all activities funded under this program.

All interested citizens are encourage to attend and will be offered the opportunity to give oral testimony at the Public Hearing and/or to present written comments concerning the needs of the County of Clarion's proposed CDBG Program activities, the prior use of CDBG funds, as well as the CDBG Program in general. Comments may be submitted to Kristi Amato, Director, Clarion County Department of Planning and Development, 421 Main Street —Suite 22, Clarion, PA, 16214 or by email at kamato@co.clarion.pa.us by 3:00 p.m., prevailing time, on August 9, 2023.