BY PAUL MITCHELL
North Country This Week

CANTON – Canton’s Director of Economic Development Leigh Rodiguez is seeking direction from elected leaders on whether to submit a grant application in a new round of Community Development Block Grant CARES Act funding up to $500,000 at a recent town/village joint meeting.

Congress has provided $5 billion in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for the CDBG program to municipalities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to Coronavirus.The funding could assist small businesses but could also help out child care and housing needs.

“Our thought was to hold another public hearing or do another survey to show enough interest before we apply,” said Rodiguez. “It’s a one-shot deal because of the Coronavirus.”

Ideally, Rodiguez said the town should be the lead agent on the application, enabling the potential funding to be distributed townwide.

But concerns were raised by Canton Town Supervisor Mary Ann Ashley, citing the intensive administration work.

“Applying is easier than administering,” she said. “My concern is that we are not in a position to be the applicant this year. There’a a lot going on in this office.”

“If the town does not have the capacity, we will have our economic development committee make decisions on how we proceed,” said Mayor Michael Dalton.

Rodriguez said an option could involve the town being the grant applicant then establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the village to administer the grant.

Another concern centered around the pool of money, where the lead agent may have to distribute money up front then submit paperwork for reimbursement. The time frame for reimbursement and the administrative duties were also concerns.

“I will make it happen” stated Rodriguez speaking to the documentation and administrative work.

“There are people in the community who can use this. “$500,000 is a good chunk of change but I realize there’s a balancing act.

The CDBG CARES Act issue is expected to be on the village board meeting agenda set Feb. 16.