The counties of Fresno and Kings are the recipients of nearly $8 million in Community Development Block Grants for housing, community and economic development.

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In all, the state Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD) has awarded $28 million in CDBG funds. These grants, which originate with the federal government, are especially targeted to rural communities.

“Families in smaller communities are the focus of this versatile grant program,” said Ben Metcalf, director of HCD. “It’s not always easy for smaller and rural towns to find the resources for these types of improvements, so HCD is proud to play a role by awarding funds from the CDBG Program.”

Three Fresno County cities were awarded a total of $3.73 million for the following projects:

City of Huron
Domestic violence shelter — $600,930
Water improvements — $805,209
General admin. — $105,641

City of Orange Cove
Code enforcement — $209,302
General admin. — $15,698

City of Parlier
Public improvements to support new housing — $837,210
Single-family housing rehab program — $465,116
Homeownership assistance program — $465,116
Planning and technical assistance study — $93,023
General admin — $139,535

Two Kings County cities, as well as the county itself, were awarded a total of $4.1 million

City of Avenal
Single family housing rehab program — $325,582
Homeownership assistance program — $186,046
Public facility recreation center — $1,2 million
General admin. — $129,070

City of Corcoran
Single family housing rehabilitation program — $232,558
Homeownership assistance program — $232,558
General admin. — $34,884

County of Kings
Homeownership assistance program — $232,558
Public improvements, ADA sidewalks — $1.39 million
General admin. — $122,093