Over 10,000 Virginians to benefit from multi-million dollar investment in housing and infrastructure across the state
Norton, Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced that 33 projects across Virginia will receive a total of $23.6 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBGs) to enhance housing, infrastructure, and economic development. These projects will benefit over 10,000 low- and moderate-income residents, helping to create stronger and more sustainable communities throughout the Commonwealth.
Investing in Local Communities
Governor Youngkin emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure and housing, stating:
“The foundation of every thriving community includes affordable homes, robust infrastructure, and an economy that works for everyone. CDBG continues to be an invaluable resource for addressing community-identified needs by filling in crucial funding gaps to build stronger communities across the Commonwealth.”
The federally funded CDBG program has been administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) since 1982, distributing approximately $19 million annually to assist small cities, counties, and towns. These funds support projects that:
- Rehabilitate and construct housing in underdeveloped or deteriorating neighborhoods
- Enhance water and sewer systems in rural areas
- Revitalize commercial districts to strengthen local economies
- Fund community service facilities such as health clinics and resource centers for underserved populations
Supporting Growth and Economic Stability
Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick highlighted the flexibility of CDBG funding, stating:
“While each of the 33 awarded projects support vastly different community goals, they all foster strong local partnerships, diverse regional economies, and a higher quality of life for Virginians. CDBG funding offers the flexibility needed to address the unique concerns of diverse communities, while building a stronger, more cohesive Commonwealth.”
Major Projects and Funding Allocation
The largest share of the funding, totaling $15.5 million, will support housing rehabilitation, water and sewer improvements, and commercial district revitalization. Some of the significant CDBG Competitive Awardees include:
- Town of Lebanon – $2 million for Main Street Villas Infrastructure
- Town of Wytheville – $1.93 million for Monroe Street Housing Production
- City of Norton – $1.75 million for Park Street Community Project
- Town of Goshen – $1.25 million for a new community service facility
- Halifax County – $1.25 million for Riverdale Drive Community Improvement
Additionally, $6.9 million in CDBG Open Submission Improvement Awards will support projects such as:
- Lee County – $3 million for Western Lee County Sewer Phase I-A
- Town of Brodnax – $1.25 million for Housing Rehabilitation
- Floyd County – $1.24 million for Scatter Site Rehabilitation
An additional $1.2 million has been allocated to CDBG Open Submission Planning Awards, which support community planning efforts for future projects.
Strengthening Infrastructure for the Future
Director of Virginia’s Department of Housing and Community Development, Bryan Horn, stressed the long-term impact of these grants:
“Community Development Block Grants have facilitated targeted support to Virginia’s communities for over 40 years, and their effects have been profound. By investing in our communities, we are able to support them in the unique ways that they need, with solutions that include their residents’ unique voices, all while protecting vulnerable populations and building stronger local economies.”
Moving Virginia Forward
This year’s CDBG funding will help modernize infrastructure, provide essential services, and support economic development in rural and urban communities alike. By bridging funding gaps, these grants ensure that Virginia’s communities remain vibrant, connected, and resilient for years to come.
