Newton County and the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council scheduled a news conference today (September 28) in Neosho to announce details of a community development block grant program designed to assist property owners in the county who were victims of the May 10, 2008 tornado.

The grant provides assistance for the repair or replacement specifically of residences, not separate structures, damaged by the tornado. Income restrictions established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development must be met in order to qualify. In addition, all prior financial assistance received must be validated and show how the money was spent.

The three types of grants available under this program are:

1. Home ownership assistance: A grant of up to $10,000 can be awarded toward the down payment and closing costs of the purchase of a home in Newton County other than at the tornado's original location.

2. Home rehabilitation: A grant of up to $20,000 can be awarded for repairs on the residence damaged by the tornado provided the grant administrators select the contractors.

3. New home construction: A grant of up to $40,000 can be awarded for assistance towards the purchase of a new modular/manufactured unit or construction of a new qualified structure at the site of the previous structure.

Applications are available at the Newton County Emergency Operations Center, 202 W. Brook St., Neosho. Completed applications and supporting documents are to be mailed to grant administrations, the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council, P.O. Box 388, Webb City, MO 64870.

For further information phone (800) 788-3515.

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