Grant aids popular Pike housing rehab

By PAT CAMUSO

HARRISBURG — Pike County is one of 47 Pennsylvania counties sharing in more than 28 million dollars in Community Development Block Grants that were announced by the state on June 10.

Pike County is in line for $329,358. According to Mike Mrozinski of Pike County’s Community Planning and Development office, the funding will support the county’s “Housing Rehab Program.”

Mrozinski explained that any homeowner in the county is eligible to apply. Among other requirements, applicants must own the home and meet certain income standards set forth by the state. All taxes must be paid and the home needs to be on a permanent foundation.

Successful applicants are placed on a waiting list, according to Mrozinski. When the name reaches the top of the list, an inspector reviews the home and recommends what work is needed. Work does not include any cosmetic changes but focuses on energy efficiency, i.e. roofs, windows etc. Individual funding ranges from $4,000 to in excess of $12,000.

Mrozinski said the list now has 100 projects waiting and is currently closed to new applicants. However, he said the list may open again sometime in August. Pike County’s Housing Rehab Program has been in existence since the 1980’s.

Mrozinski urged that Pike County homeowners to contact the County Community Planning office in Milford at 570/296-3434 for more information about program list openings and funding.