(a) Funds have been set aside to assist local governments fund projects located in their downtown area. Assistance in the area can be any eligible activity, however, it is anticipated projects will generally include assistance for public facilities, rehabilitation of commercial buildings, historic preservation, and land acquisition and clearance.
(b) Generally, downtown projects will be fundable under the National Objective of elimination of slums and blight and job creation and retention for low to moderate income persons. However, some projects may qualify under another National Objective.
(c) Requirements that must be addressed in the application: - (i) Description of the project including expert and concise cost estimates;
- (ii) Detailed project budget;
- (iii) Information adequate to demonstrate compliance with a national objective;
- (v) Completeness of the project, including other sources of funding;
- (vi) Adequate information to evaluate the project against the numerical rating system;
- (vii) Evidence that the SHPO was contacted and consulted and a brief narrative of the results of the consultation. (See Chapter 1, Section 13 );
- (viii) An assessment of probable operation and maintenance costs of the facility or site improvement(s) to be constructed using CDBG funds, and an explanation of how those costs will be funded;
- (ix) A narrative explanation of how the project will either directly or indirectly provide for the creation and retention of jobs that are available to low to moderate income persons and aid in the diversification of the Wyoming economy;
- (x) Signed Certification of Applicant and supporting documentation for the citizen participation process including a copy of the public notice, resolution, and a signed copy of the meeting minutes;
- (xi) A draft development agreement and three years of financial statements, tax returns, current business plan, and evidence of good standing with the Secretary of State's office if the project involves a sub-recipient;
- (xii) Site map and photographs of the project site;
- (xiii) If the project involves acquisition it is imperative that the applicant contact the WBC and should not execute ANY agreements prior to doing so.
(d) In determining the process for selection of projects, the Wyoming Business Council staff will evaluate each application for completeness based upon the requirements listed previously. The application will be rated according to the numerical system below (100 points possible).
(e) Downtown development numerical rating: - (i) Job creation - Up to 20 points. Emphasis is placed upon projects thatcreate/retain jobs.
- (ii) Economic Development Benefit- Up to 30 points. Emphasis will be placed upon how the project will positively impact local, regional and state economic development efforts.
- (iii) Integrated Effort - Up to 50 points. .
- (A) Partners-Up to 20 points. Are there partners in the project? Please describe them and their contribution.
- (B) Percentage of CDBG funds-Up to 10 points. What percentage is CDBG of the total project?
- (iv) Community Readiness-Up to 10 points. Is there community readiness potential in this project?
(f) A maximum of $500,000 per grant will be allowed.