The DeKalb County Commission adopted a resolution to apply for a $420,000 Community Development Block Grant through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development last Monday night. If the grant is accepted, the funds will be used to fund a new ambulance for the county.

The Upper Cumberland Development District would make application on behalf of the county and administer the grant upon approval by the state, and if the grant is approved, the county would be responsible for paying a 16 percent match funds.

Previous Community Development Block Grants have been used to fund fire trucks and equipment for the county fire department.

The resolution reads as follows:

“Whereas, DeKalb County needs to improve community livability through the purchase of new emergency medical services equipment to meet the needs of the citizens of the county; and

“Whereas, emergency medical service equipment projects are eligible activities under the Community Development Block Grant Program; and

“Whereas, DeKalb County is eligible for a maximum grant of $420,000 under the Community Development Block Grant Community Livability category including the three-star bonus; and

“Whereas, DeKalb County has agreed to pay the required 16% of the local total project cost (based on the DeKalb County 20% Ability-to-Pay rate with the ThreeStar 4-point match reduction), plus any additional funding required to complete the project beyond the grant amount.”