Page 47 - Benbrook FY20 Approved Budget

CITY OF BENBROOK 2019-20 ANNUAL BUDGET

project includes approximately seventeen 250W, 480V lights installed on thirty-foot steel poles spaced 180 feet apart. Staff discussed the
project with Oncor Electric and estimated the cost at $177,000.

In past years, these grant funds have been used to build and expand the Senior Citizens Center, to construct and renovate rest room facilities
at City parks, to purchase a multi-passenger van to transport senior citizens, and to construct sidewalks and wheelchair ramps. The 2004-05
Budget included CDBG funds to construct drive approaches, sidewalks, and other improvements for portions of three streets in the CDBG
target area of Benbrook. In 2005-06, CDBG funds were designated for the second phase of this street and sidewalk improvement project in
the CDBG target area of Benbrook. In 2006-07, CDBG funds were designated for the flood protection in the CDBG Target Area (Timber
Creek Culvert – Increased Capacity Project). In 2007-08, CDBG funds were used for additional flood protection to remove approximately
four residences on Usher Street from the 100-year floodplain. In 2008-09 CDBG funds were used for sidewalks on Bryant Street and Usher
Street. In 2009-10, two projects were completed with CDBG funds: (1) additional sidewalks for Usher Street south of Mercedes Street and
(2) paving of a portion of an alley between Mercedes Street and Cozby North Street. For 2010-11, CDBG funds were used for four projects:
(1) contract with Fort Worth Transportation Authority for elderly and handicapped transit services, (2) salary costs for Senior Citizens
Coordinator, (3) improved handicapped access within Dutch Branch Park, and (4) allocation of funds for housing rehabilitation. For 2011-12
two projects were funded: construction of an alley between Warden Street and Park Center Street and allocation of funds for housing
rehabilitation. In 2012-13 Budget funds were expended for housing rehabilitation and for street illumination and lighting. The 2013-14
Budget included funds for an alley between Usher Street and Wade Hampton Street and for creation of a playground at the pocket park on
Bryant Street. The last project financed with CDBG funds was the construction sidewalks on Bellaire Drive in 2016-17.

In the 2013-14 fiscal year, a major change was made to the City’s participation in the Community Development Block Grant program
administered through Tarrant County. From 1975 to this year, Benbrook had applied for a portion of the funds each year and was awarded
grant funds specifically for the approved projects. Due to a reduction in overall grant funds, Benbrook’s participation has been reduced to
every other year.

The change in the Community Development Block Grant program has no impact on Benbrook’s participation in two CDBG programs
administered by the County. In June 2014, the Council adopted a resolution to continue participating in the Home Investment Partnership
Program and the Emergency Solutions Grant Program, The Home Investment Partnership Program provides funds for building, buying, and/or
rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership, or providing rental assistance to low-income residents. The Emergency Solutions
Grant Program provides services for emergency shelters and short-term rental assistance to low-income residents.

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