To discuss the preparation of the Annual Action Plan for Federal Fiscal Year 2006 and to review the draft of the Action Plan once it is completed. SUMMARY: The State of Florida is required to submit an Annual Action Plan to the U. S. Department ...

DATE AND TIME: March 13, 2006, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

PLACE: Best Western Hotel, 119 Highway 17 South, East Palatka, FL 32131

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: To discuss the preparation of the Annual Action Plan for Federal Fiscal Year 2006 and to review the draft of the Action Plan once it is completed. 

SUMMARY:  The State of Florida is required to submit an Annual Action Plan to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in order to receive federal funding from that agency.  The plan must cover the grant programs funded by HUD.  Grant programs included in the Plan are the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG), Home Investment Partnership (HOME) and Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids (HOPWA).  The Plan must specify the manner in which the funds will be distributed to eligible applicants.

ACTION TO BE TAKEN:  At the workgroup meeting, staff from the CDBG, ESG, HOME and HOPWA programs will provide an overview of the programs and answer questions.  Interested parties are encouraged to attend.  At the public hearing, a draft of the Action Plan will be available for review and comment.  Comments will be accepted from the date of the public hearing until May 8, 2006.

The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is seeking a public or nonprofit entity or entities to administer the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Putnam, Clay and Flagler counties.  Entities interested in contracting with DCA to provide this service should attend this meeting to learn about the application requirements.

Selection will be based on the entity’s experience and performance in related federal or state programs in assisting low-income persons in the area to be served, and their capacity to undertake a timely and effective program.  Special consideration in the designation of a service provider will be given to any Community Action Agency or other public or nonprofit entity which is currently administering an effective program under any low-income energy assistance program or weatherization program under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. The following qualities will be reviewed: (1) the extent to which the past or current program achieved or is achieving goals in a timely fashion; (2) the quality of work performed by the entity; (3) the number, qualifications, and experience of the staff members of the entity, and (4) maintain compliance with administration and financial management requirements.

ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN:  At this meeting, the DCA will disseminate information about the programs, the application requirements, the deadline for submitting all applications and the appeals information. Only one entity will be selected per county, but an entity may apply for and be designated to serve more than one county.  After the application deadline date (due to be submitted to DCA by 5:00 p.m. EDT, March 27, 2006), DCA staff will review the application(s) received and make a decision regarding each entity’s eligibility to provide program services in the unserved counties.  A recommendation for the selected entity or entities will then be prepared by DCA staff for subsequent consideration and approval or disapproval by DCA’s Secretary.  Announcement of the selected entity or entities along with the appeals process for non-selected entities wishing to challenge the selection will then be sent by U.S. Mail to all applicants. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  Requests for an application, additional information or questions may be addressed to Ms. Hilda Frazier, Planning Manager, Florida Department of Community Affairs, Community Assistance Section, Sadowski Building, 2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100, [phone], or FAX [phone] or e-mail at [e-mail].

SPECIAL ACCOMADATIONS:  Any person requiring a special accommodation at this meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the Department of Community Affairs at [phone] at least five (5) calendar days prior to the meeting.  If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Department of Community Affairs using the Florida Dual Party Relay System which can be reached at 1(800)955- 8770 (voice) and 1(800)955-8771 (TDD).