BENTONVILLE — Bentonville could get a new water line, a new trail and better drainage in lowand moderate-income areas of town thanks to federal money.

Officials are requesting $200,000 from the Community Development Block Grant, according to a list of proposed projects and programs from Danielle Shasteen, the city’s community programs coordinator.

Shasteen told the planning commission Tuesday the city usually gets about $180,000 from the grant, but she’s hoping to up the amount for 2010.

Shasteen’s plan calls for using the money for infrastructure projects and donations to six other programs.

The money has to go toward improving living conditions and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents, Shasteen said.

Bentonville has two lowand moderate-income areas, both around the downtown area, according to a city map. The areas are identifi ed using census data.

Troy Galloway, the city’sdirector of community development, said all the infrastructure elements of the plan have a common aim.

“When you start looking at all of that stu◊, it adds up to creating livable neighborhoods,” he said.

Some of the infrastructure in the targeted neighborhoods has deteriorated, Galloway said.

Other infrastructure, such as trails and sidewalks, was never there, Galloway said.

The planned trail would run from the Bentonville Public Library to Southeast Fifth Street and connect with the Town Branch Trail, according to Shasteen’s proposal.

The plan also calls for the upgrade of a water line along Southwest Sixth Street between Main and “A” streets.

Galloway said the line will improve water pressure in the area.

The plan also includes continued work on a multiyear project to improve drainage problems in neighborhoods south of the square.

Shasteen’s plan indicates the city would give $71,000 to six community programs, including Habitat For Humanity, the Boys and Girls Club of Benton County and Ozark Guidance.

News, Pages 3 on 11/02/2009

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