Columbia County, in consideration of NYS Community Development Block Grant funded programs, will be holding a Public Hearing in the Committee Room at the Columbia County Office Building, 401 State Street, Hudson on Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 4:00 P.M. The intent of this hearing is to learn of all potential CDBG funding programs, the available funding amounts, and to obtain the views of citizens, public agencies and other interested parties regarding Columbia County needs. Approximately $50 million of CDBG funding is available annually to eligible communities within New York State. CDBG funding categories include Economic Development. Assistance under the Community Development Block Grant Program must meet one of three national objectives: benefit to low and moderate-income persons, elimination of slums and blight or urgent needs affecting the health and safety of the community. No less than seventy percent (70%) of grant funds must be used for activities benefiting low and moderate-income persons and the benefit area must contain at least fifty-one percent (51%) low and moderate-income residents. All interested persons are encouraged to attend. Written and verbal comments and questions can be mailed to Columbia County Planning and Economic Development, 401 State Street, Hudson, NY 12534. Please phone 518-828-3375 if special accommodations are required for your attendance.