Walhalla optimism for grant approval

Nearly three-quarters of Walhalla homeowners in target area qualify under the government’s low-income standards. And that leaves Scott Parris, the city utilities director, confident that a community development block grant will be approved to pay for replacing additional water lines in the Walhalla’s Chicopee Mill Village. The grant application is due Monday. This morning a perfunctory public hearing was conducted at City Hall, without anyone from the public in attendance. Parris estimates that, counting a required supplement, government will be investing a half million dollars into what’s considered phase two of the Chicopee Village utility improvements. He expects a word on the grant application by June or July. If approved, about 75 homes are to see improvements, including better water pressure.