Carbon County took the first step in receiving just over $1 million that will be used to remediate and fight blight in various communities.

On Thursday, the board of commissioners approved sending the application for the funding amount that had been allocated to the county from the Department of Community and Economic Development through the COVID-19 ARPA Whole Home Repairs program. A total of $1,046,437 was allocated for Carbon County late last year.

Commissioner Chris Lukasevich said that Carbon County has a lot of homes that are either blighted or have habitability concerns.

“The project plan we put up to DCED with the application,” he said, “the county, in consultation with municipalities as appropriate and necessary, will focus grants up to $50,000 for homes to remediate, eliminate or prevent further degradation of blighted properties with priority to properties being condemned or prioritized by municipalities.”

Lukasevich added that second priorities will be given to applications to improve energy and water efficiency or increase accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Homeowners can apply for grants up to $50,000 to help remediate or demolish a home through this program. Applications, which should include estimates for work, are on a first-come, first- served basis.

The board said that if a homeowner wants to apply, they should contact the municipality in which they reside since the county is working in consultation with the municipalities through their blight programs.

The funds will be available to homeowners whose household income does not exceed 80% of the area median income.