Section 110.95  Non-Competitive and Accessibility Rehabilitation Services Component

The Non-Competitive Mobility and Accessibility Rehabilitation Services (MARS) component targets projects to provide structural improvements to remove physical barriers that restrict mobility and accessibility of elderly and disabled persons.  Eligible applicants may apply for up to $100,000 in funds to provide structural improvements to remove physical barriers that restrict mobility of elderly and disabled persons.

a)         Project Eligibility Criteria:  For a project to be eligible for funding under this component, applicants must document the following:

1)         Program funds will be used in the rehabilitation of a residence that will benefit 100% low- to moderate-income persons; and

2)         The project is ready to proceed and expend funds and the project addresses the identified problem.

b)         Eligible Activities that include:  Structural improvements to a privately owned building that are required to comply with the Illinois Accessibility Code (71 Ill. Adm. Code 400), which include, but are not limited to, modifications to entrances/exits, parking improvements, kitchen and bathroom modifications, etc.

c)         Pre-Application and Eligibility

1)         Pre-applications will be accepted on a first come-first served basis based upon the Department's receipt of the State's federal formula allocation for the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant funds as described in Section 110.10(a)(4) of this Part.

2)         Pre-applications will undergo an initial review to determine eligibility in four areas:

A)        Compliance with the public hearing requirements;

B)        Certification of submission to the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency for clearance of identified housing units;

C)        Certification of eligibility for identified households; and

D)        Cost estimates for rehabilitation for each housing unit identified for assistance.

d)         Application Review and Approval

1)         After the Department determines that an applicant is eligible, it will forward an application to the eligible applicant, which shall be completed and submitted to the Department as required in Section 100.70 of this Part.

2)         Applications will be funded after the Department verifies that the documents submitted are complete and accurate.  The following is the information and documentation that the applicant must submit.

A)        Local council resolution of support;

B)        Submittal letter signed by the chief elected official stating that 100% of low- to moderate-income will benefit from the project;

C)        Illinois Historic Preservation Agency clearance letters on the identified housing units;

D)        A copy of all bids received for each housing unit with lowest responsive bid identified, including a statement of the lowest bidder's qualifications;

E)         Verification of eligibility of the identified household;

F)         Application project information form;

G)        Housing fact sheet;

H)        Local government certifications;

I)          Grantee/recipient disclosure certification;

J)         Minority benefit/affirmation housing statement; and

K)        Housing project design.

(Source:  Old Section repealed at 26 Ill. Reg. 11805, effective July 18, 2002; new Section added at 29 Ill. Reg. 10017, effective June 28, 2005