Nov 13, 2019 2 min read

MONONGAHELA – Council is winnowing down its wish list of community development projects for 2020.

According to Rob Phillips, assistant community development director for the Redevelopment Authority of Washington County, Monongahela will be receiving $240,000 in CDBG funds. All projects and activities must principally benefit low and moderate income persons as well as aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight.

“We have a deadline coming up so you’ll need to refine your list very soon,” Phillips said during council’s Tuesday agenda meeting.

Among the city’s top priorities are parks and recreation, street paving and property improvement projects.

Philips said some of the money may be used to purchase equipment and install a pavilion at Mounds Park. In addition, the city is considering setting aside at least $50,000 for two to three home rehabilitation projects. Philips said between 10 to 12 homeowners are currently on a waiting list for home improvement funding.

Philips said some of these funds can be stretched by combining them with other grants.

Council is expected to decide how it will use its 2020 CDBG funds by the end of December.

Also, during the meeting, council was briefed about plans for a proposed rails-to-trails project that would extend from Marianna to Donora by way of Monongahela.

Dennis Martinak, principal of D Martinak Planning and Consulting, said his team is conducting a feasibility study to gauge public support for the project and how much money will be needed to build the 25-mile pedestrian bike trail. Martinak is asking the 11 municipalities along the proposed trail to select representatives to serve on a steering committee.