CANTON – A public hearing about Community Development Block Grant funding for St. Lawrence County is at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16 in Room 255 of the County Courthouse, 48 Court St.

The hearing will provide opportunities for citizens to identify community needs and priorities, and to discuss the best use of CDBG funds for eligible projects before the application is written and submitted by the St. Lawrence County Planning Office.

Communities can use CDBG funds for housing, economic development, public infrastructure or community facility projects, and they must principally benefit people with low or moderate incomes. People who earn low to moderate incomes, and organizations that assist people with special needs are especially encouraged to attend.

“Community Development Block Grant funds have historically been a very important redevelopment tool in St. Lawrence County,” said Planning Office Deputy Director Jason Pfotenhauer.

“We want to hear from the public about the County’s community development needs, and discuss ideas for possible CDBG projects,” he said.

Pfotenhauer noted that over the last 18 years, the county has used CDBG funds to assist more than 400 first-time homebuyers with financial counseling and down payment assistance.