New Port Richey City Manager Debbie Manns said that funds had been made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Development to reinstate community block grants for projects that meet one or more of three national objectives:

1. Elimination of slum and blight

2. Address of a community need

3. Direct benefit to people of low or moderate income

Manns said that the City can expect to receive about $288,000 in 2015 and another $126,000 in 2016. Manns’ plan for the total $354,000 over the two years included $228,000 to be spent on renovations to Frances Avenue Park on Louisiana Avenue. Another $126,000 would go toward home improvement loans (community block grants) for property owners who cannot afford upgrades to their homes. The loans will be backed by the placement of a lien on the property, and repayment of the loans will provide continuing funding for the program.

The remaining $60,000 would be used to pay for the salary and benefits of one code enforcement officer with the City.