Payson Roundup

The Star Valley council met Tuesday night to discuss improvement opportunities within the town using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

The town anticipates receiving $140,000 through the program, which can be used to improve the town in a variety of ways. This year, the council decided to spend CDBG funds to create a crossing at Valley Road that should ebb floodwaters when completed.

For 2010-2011, ideas thrown around by council members and residents include purchasing a snowplow and road grader, connecting piping to a well to create a municipal water supply and more bank stabilization.

One resident concerned about erosion and flooding, suggested putting in crossings on Houston Creek, Starlight or Buck Skin Lane.

Mayor Bill Rappaport agreed that flooding is one of the town’s major concerns.

With a number of streets flooding in the last few weeks, protecting the roads is on everyone’s minds.

Councilor George Binney said the council should focus on flooding issues for the next few years and then look at spending future grant money on other issues.

Now that the town has brainstormed ideas for next year’s funds, Cindy Schofield, CDBG representative from the Central Arizona Association of Governments, said she would research if any of the ideas were eligible for grant funds.