by Terry Rogers
Milford could see a grant in the amount of $500,000 from Sussex County
In early March, Sussex County Council voted to earmark more than $12 million in realty transfer taxes (RTT) to assist municipalities throughout the county. Milford was notified that they were eligible for between $100,000 and $500,000 that may be used for public safety, economic development, infrastructure and capital projects.
“The county’s finances are very strong. When you’re lucky enough to be in that position, you should do what you can to help those around you and do some good,” County Council President Michael H. Vincent was quoted as saying in a press release. “This is revenue that’s above and beyond, and by setting aside some to protect more open space and the rest for our towns, we are making an investment in the future.”
Sussex County will use the funds for land preservation in an effort to promote more open space, although Milford will not be restricted in using the funds solely for that purpose. There is a match component with the funding. Any amount over $100,000 will require the city to match the amount received by Sussex County.
The city must apply for the funds by May 31 and the request must include what project the funds will be used for and which category it fits into as well as the amount of the grant and where the city will pull the match funds. Approval is expected on June 30 and, once the project the funds were used for is complete, a full report detailing what was done, the final cost and an accounting of all funds must be provided to the county.
Council was presented the information at the Monday, March 14 meeting, but there was no discussion and no indication whether they would be applying for the funds.
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