Goldsboro asking for millions in federal stimulus funding
By Catharin Shepard
Published in News on April 3, 2009 1:46 PM
The city of Goldsboro has requested more than $373 million in federal stimulus funds to date, and city officials currently anticipate receiving more than $18 million in funding, with more potentially on the way.
Goldsboro is on the list of the draft version of the North Carolina Drinking Water State Revolving Fund -- American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 Intended Use Plan for an eligible $7.4 million for the Phase I water utility rehabilitation project at the water plant.
City Manager Joe Huffman said city officials aren't sure what form the money will be available in, but said it could possibly be based on forgiveness loans.
"They've not worked all that out yet," Huffman said today. "It's not completely certain."
However, the money is predesignated and the city does anticipate receiving the $7.4 million, he said.
Of the anticipated $18,567,436 in stimulus funding, the GATEWAY program is expected to receive more than $953,000 for improvements, including two buses, three bus shelters and other equipment, and $1.6 million is expected for water main improvements along Ash, Elm, George and Slocumb Street and in the Spring Gardens subdivision.
A $300 million request for the new U.S. 70 bypass and other highway improvement projects is the largest portion of the wish list. Other large items sought include $43 million for public utilities, $1.7 million for fire station renovations and equipment, $19.3 million for the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. and $4.4 million for sewer projects.
The application process has been very time-intensive for city staff, but seeing the results is rewarding, Huffman said.
"I'm very pleased. Now it's paying off," he said today.
The city will continue to apply for federal stimulus funding in the future as the process continues at the state and national level, Huffman added. Goldsboro officials are still preparing further submissions as more money becomes available.
"I don't think it's over yet," Huffman said.