Local News in Brief : Countywide : Plan to Distribute $4.4-Million Grant OKd

The Board of Supervisors Wednesday approved a distribution plan for more than $4.4 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funds, with most of it to be spent on home-improvement loans to low-income residents and public street improvements.

Chairman Harriett M. Wieder noted that the $4.4-million grant is 4.3% less than the previous year’s. She said, however, that the county received more than $12 million in requests.

The money is being distributed according to a schedule prepared by the county Housing and Community Development office.

Many cities, among them Laguna Beach, La Habra and Cypress, earmarked portions of their shares to build or expand centers for senior citizens. Most others indicated that they plan to provide low-interest loans for moderate- to low-income residents for home improvements.

Seal Beach plans to use block grant money to improve a baseball field. And Laguna Canyon will spend about $15,000 for grading and other construction work for a new shelter for the homeless.