Moss House seeks grant for new facility

Nevada Daily Mail

The Moss House moved forward in its plans for a new facility with a public hearing held Wednesday with the Vernon County Commission and Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission representatives.

The public hearing, as well as a needs assessment Moss House representatives completed during the hearing, were requirements in their application for the Community Development Block Grant, which provides a maximum amount of $250,000 to recipients. Austin Mount of Kaysinger Basin said it would likely equal about $175,000 after fees are subtracted.

Because that sum would not be enough for the construction of the new shelter, Mount said they would also apply for a Neighborhood Assistance Program grant that will add about $500,000 to the total grant amount.

The grant application requires the public hearing and needs assessment, as well as an environmental review and review from the state historic preservation to make sure the facility is not constructed on grounds of historical significance or an a hazardous position environmentally.

"These are all steps that we have to follow to make this a successful project," Mount said of the process.

With the CDBG application due by June 1, and the awarding of it in October, Mount said the construction probably will not begin for at least another 18 months because of all the reviews and planning needed.

Mount said he believes the Moss House has a good chance at receiving the CDBG, which has $1.2 million available in the state, because of the nature of their services in providing shelter for domestic abuse victims. He also said those involved with the NAP grant work closely alongside the CDBG when awarding grants.

Martha Sander, executive director of the Moss House, said CDBG representatives have already come to look at the Moss House and see what needs they have and what challenges they face.

The needs assessment test included questions concerning the services at the Moss House, including water, sewage, electricity and other utilities, as well as similar setrvices available in Vernon County, such as education, health care and emergency services.