Clyde Morgan from SWODA addressed the Jackson County Commissioners Monday about Community Development Block Grants during their regular meeting at the commissioners' office in the Jackson County Courthouse. In the absence of Cary Carrell, Anthony Fixico called the meeting to order. There were no reports or blanket purchase orders to approve.

Jerry Gibson, Jackson County Safety/Emergency Director, introduced Morgan who explained the basics regarding Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).

Morgan said that an area may qualify for significant grants for necessary improvements like roads, if 51% or greater of the residents fall into the low-income to median-income bracket.

For Altus, Gibson said, the area of immediate concern is a 4-mile stretch of Racetrack Road (ECR 159) from Veterans to Navajo School (SCR 206 to SCR 210). This area includes about 60 households. Each of those residences will be sent a survey to assess whether their area will qualify for a CDB Grant. The survey, which includes a self-addressed stamped envelope to mail it back, will include just 2 questions. The first is how many people live in that residence. The second regards where family income falls on an income scale. If the area qualifies, a maximum grant of $150,000 can supplement county funds. Commissioner Dale Dunn estimates road work on that stretch will cost from $300,000 to $350,000. The grant would be a significant investment in the area. Surveys should be mailed out to residents on approximately 10-27. Residents, please keep your eye out for these important surveys. Please mail them back promptly to help ensure your area receives a chance for this grant.

The next item to be formally approved was the contract for the Tobacco Coordinator at the Jackson County Health Department.

The commissioners received a letter from Tillman County stating they have closed their side of the bridge 2 1/2 miles east of Headrick, as of Oct. 19. Jackson County Commissioner Fixico made a resolution, 2009-45, to close the Jackson County side of the bridge effective Oct. 26, due to cost concerns involved in inspecting the old bridge.

Under new business, Commissioner Dunn reminded attendees about the transportation partners meeting in Clinton on Oct. 27. He also stated the board had received a letter confirming Karen Weaver as Administrative Director of the Jackson County Health Department.

During the public participation section of the meeting, Lloyd Colston, Director of Emergency Management, stated that there are still funds to reimburse people for up to 75% of the cost of a weather radio. Vendors will be glad to indicate which radios qualify for the funds. Preferred vendors in Altus are: United, Radio Shack and Wal-Mart. Forms for the reimbursement are available through: Emergency Management, Red Cross or the Salvation Army.

Colston also wondered how many of us in Altus received our telephone calls, texts or emails from Mayor T.L Gramling last Thursday night. If you did not receive a message, please call 211 or access www.cityofaltus.org to put your information on the city's list. In case of emergency, the city's leaders can notify you to take appropriate actions. Residents outside Altus may also register if they wish to receive emergency notifications from Altus.

There were no vendor participation items, and all claims were approved. The commissioners adjourned at 10:30 a.m. There will be a short end-of-month meeting on Friday, Oct. 30, at 10 a.m. in the commissioners' office.