Springfield Township is set to receive $33,686 in Community Development Block Grants, federal funds for low- and moderate-income projects.
The funds come with strings attached ? up to 20 percent, $6,737, can go to planning and management project; and 30 percent, $10,106, to public services; leaving $16,843 for other projects. Also, each project must receive at least $2,500.
“We received far more requests than we can fund,” said Treasurer Jamie Dubre. “We’d love to give some to everybody, but we can’t.”
The township received fund requests from eight agencies and departments.
Neighbor for Neighbor, a financial assistance group based in Davisburg, was selected for $5,000 out of the public-service funds.
“Neighbor for Neighbor is utilized more here,” Dubre said. “They offer the widest range of services, like food, rent, heat, and light.”
“I agree ? Neighbor for Neighbor does a great job,” said Trustee Judy Hensler.
“It seems to provide the most bang for the buck,” said Trustee Dave Hopper.
The rest of the public-service funds goes to senior and other emergency services.
Planning and management projects include $3,237 to update the township’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and $3,500 to the supervisor’s office for downtown Davisburg, Dixie Highway, wastewater, traffic, and parking studies.
Of the $16,843 left, $7,680 goes to handicap-accessibility improvements to the lower level of the township civic center, and $9,163 for street improvements in low-and moderate-income areas of the township.
Supervisor Mike Trout requested $12,970 for entrance doors to the lower level as well as a door to Parks and Recreation and North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy offices. The parks and rec door was turned down by the township board.
“We have a $50,000 elevator,” said Trustee Dennis Vallad. “It would be more convenient to have more handicap-accessible access, but the money can be better spent somewhere else ? half the project is as far as I want to go.”
Agencies turned down for funding, such as Kaleidoscope Foundation and Haven, may receive CDBG funds later on a rotating basis, in order to afford the $2,500 minimum.
“I looked at which can take a year off and which can’t,” Dubre said.