Transform386: Volusia County's comprehensive recovery initiative funded with $328.9 Million.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

In a significant boost to the ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian, Volusia County Government has been granted $328.9 million in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This substantial allocation aims to spearhead a comprehensive and enduring restoration initiative known as Transform386, which will focus on the long-term revitalization of Volusia County.

The funding from HUD will play a vital role in facilitating the county's restoration efforts and ensuring the community's future resilience. Transform386 will address the substantial damage caused by Hurricane Ian and provide the necessary resources to rebuild infrastructure, restore housing, revitalize the economy, and implement mitigation measures.

To ensure that the allocated funds are utilized effectively and in line with the community's needs, Volusia County has announced a series of meetings called the CDBG-DR Community Engagement Series. 

The upcoming community engagement meetings will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on various dates at different locations throughout Volusia County:

• Monday, July 10, at the Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St.
• Thursday, July 13, at the DeLand Regional Library, 130 E. Howry Ave.
• Thursday, July 20, at the Deltona Regional Library, 2150 Eustace Ave.
• Thursday, July 27, at the New Smyrna Beach Regional Library, 1001 S. Dixie Freeway
• Thursday, Aug. 3, at the Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway

According to a release, the county additionally seeks to obtain feedback on proposed projects or programs the community believes will be most beneficial in supporting ongoing disaster recovery efforts. The funds can be allocated toward a range of areas, including infrastructure restoration (such as roads, bridges, and stormwater systems), housing, economic revitalization, and mitigation. Priority will be given to assisting low- to moderate-income households.

“Community engagement is vital in shaping our recovery initiatives, which is why we’re asking all Volusia County residents to participate and provide their input,” said Community Services Director Dona Butler. “We want to hear about their unmet needs and gather valuable insights to guide and develop these projects.”

Using the feedback received during the engagement series, Volusia County will develop an action plan outlining the intended use of the CDBG-DR funds. The draft plan will undergo a 30-day public comment period and a public hearing. The anticipated publication of the draft will occur in August or September.

The plan will be presented to the Volusia County Council for review and approval before being submitted to HUD for the final green light. County staff members are optimistic that all parties involved will give their approval by the end of 2023, paving the way for the implementation of the recovery plan. In early 2024, the county will release a notice of funding availability, providing details on eligibility criteria, allowable usage of funds, reporting requirements, and other pertinent information based on the approved action plan.

For those unable to attend the meetings, a survey can be completed online for unmet needs at https://www.transform386.org.

To learn more about the Transform386 initiative or to arrange a presentation for your community or organization, please visit https://www.transform386.org, email transform386@volusia.org, or call 386-943-7029.