County distributes $5.8M in CDBG funding to towns, organizations

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. announced Jan. 19 that $5.88 million will be distributed to 10 Essex County municipalities and 28 community organizations through the Community Development Block Grant and the Emergency Solutions Grant programs. The CDBG and ESG programs are funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Essex County Division of Housing and Community Development.

“Programs supported through the CDBG and ESG programs are direct investments to provide services that enhance our quality of life and help stabilize our neighborhoods by modernizing our infrastructure and supporting programs that assist vulnerable populations,” DiVincenzo said. “These federal grants enable us to upgrade our sidewalks and roads, enhance handicap access, address mental health needs, support food pantries, and stimulate the overall development in our communities.”

A total of $4,550,238 in CDBG funding was awarded to 10 municipalities and county programs in the Essex County consortium. Belleville received $280,000 for water main relining and valve replacements along Newark, Watsessing and Forest avenues, and Kimball Street; Fairfield received $47,000 for ADA sidewalk improvements along Beverly Road; Glen Ridge received $35,000 for ADA sidewalk