Grants spending on community improvement projects in response to hurricanes is one step closer after Baldwin County Commission executed a contract with MB3 Inc., doing business as Civix, for the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) planning phase. From $1 million in sub-awards, $370,081 will be dedicated to planning with MB3 Inc., provided by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

In February, the commission hosted a public meeting with municipal and tribal representatives to introduce the CDBG-DR. Grants Director Brian Underwood said this project will not only benefit certain areas of Baldwin County, but the entire county.

"It is going to provide funding for long term recovery from those two storm events, Sally and Zeta, in the areas of housing, public infrastructure and economic revitalization," Underwood said in a previous Gulf Coast Media article.

According to Underwood, funding will go toward what is called a vulnerable population. This is part of a protected class, underserved, historically disadvantaged and economically distressed area.

Civix will begin work with the commission, county staff and stakeholders to develop a Local Recovery Plan.

Baldwin County expects to receive up to $44,361,686 in CDBG-DR funds, corresponding to ADECA's allocation received from HUD with $1 million to be used toward planning, $19,219,010 to be used toward housing and $24,142,676 will go toward non-housing projects.

The Baldwin County Commission, as a sub-recipient of ADECA, will utilize CDBG-DR funds to implement a wide range of housing, infrastructure, economic development and mitigation activities.