Potential projects discussed at Dresden’s CDBG hearing

Story by Shannon Taylor Senior Investigative Reporter

The agenda for the public hearing was to seek public input on potential projects that would be eligible for the Community Development Block Grant.  There were no Dresden residents in attendance.

The 2023 application CDBG maximum amount to apply for is $630,000.00.  The city of Dresden would have a 17% match on whatever the total amount would be that would be applied for.

Jeff Ledington and Daniel Musgrave with Northwest TN Development District were present to conduct the public hearing along with A2H engineer Travis Martin was present.

One potential project that was discussed was the drainage issue at Vaughn Bros.  There was some concern regarding this project getting funded due to a large portion of the project being on private property.  The total project estimate was about $110,000.

Another potential project discussed was storm sirens, but these are not often funded by CDBG grants.

Another project discussed was sewer rehab (manhole repair/replacement).  There are manholes that would need to be repaired that are not included in the ARP funding the city received. No estimate was given for this project.

The last project discussed was the Festival park at the end of the walking trail. The city has a master plan for this project which included the farmers market and walking trail.  This would provide a quality-of-life improvement project.

A cost estimate on some of these options will be compiled and presented to Mayor Mark Maddox and the board of alderman to see if they want to move forward with any of them.

The next step is to begin the procurement process for engineering services for whatever project is decided on.  This process does not cost the city anything to complete.

Once a project is decided on, a scope of work will be completed to be included in the application.  The City Board will need to pass a resolution defining the project and the total project cost.

The next city board meeting will be held Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Civic Center.