FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 31, 2001

Contact: Connie Rivera, Office of Program & Budget Development, 709-3065

County Solicits Community Development Block Grant Proposals

     Olympia- Thurston County is soliciting proposed projects for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The deadline for preliminary proposals to be submitted to Thurston County is 5:00 p.m. on September 19, 2001.  The final application for a county-sponsored project will be due to the Office of Community Development by November 15, 2001.

            Projects must principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons, must prevent or eliminate slums or blight, or meet an urgent need to protect public health and safety.  Project activities must benefit residents of unincorporated Thurston County, and may center on housing, economic development, community facilities, public facilities and infrastructure, and public services.

            The Thurston County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 10:00 a.m. October 1, 2001 to hear presentations and take testimony on proposed projects. The hearing will take place in Room 280, Building 1 of the Thurston County Courthouse. After the public hearing, the Commissioners will decide which, if any project to sponsor as an application.