Residential Driveway Grant

Step 1.Understand the requirements 

• The program will provide repair or replacement of driveways of Very Low Income households at no cost.
• You must be the current owner/occupant a Merriam single family or duplex residence.
• You must be current on all property taxes and special assessment.
• You must meet the 2023 HUD Income Guidelines:

  1 person	$57,400	5 persons	$88,600
  2 persons	$65,600	6 persons	$95,150
  3 persons	$73,800	7 persons	$101,700
  4 persons	$82,000	8 persons	$108,250

• Household must provide their Federal Tax return as proof of income.  For household members that are not required to file a Federal Income Tax return, proof of social security, veteran, or other benefit payments will be accepted.
• After receiving the application and determining income eligibility, city staff will inspect and determine if the driveway qualifies for the program and the extent of the driveway repair/replacement.
• Gravel driveways are eligible: 
  • All gravel will be removed when the driveway is replaced
  • All vehicle parking will occur on a hard surface after the driveway is installed.
• Property must be code compliant with the exception of the driveway
• Grant money will be available until all $90,000 has been allocated
• The City is currently accepting application until March 29,2024.

For a full list of requirements click here(PDF, 83KB). 

Step 2.Gather your information

• Homeowner: Must be current on all property taxes. 
• Provide proof of property insurance with your application.
• Verify your income eligibility.
• Provide Federal Tax Returns or proof of social security, veteran or other benefit payment with your application.
• Property owner is required to sign an affidavit attesting that they have provided income information for all household members residing in the dwelling
• The affidavit must be notarized. Notaries are available at City Hall.

Step 3.Submit your application

Completed program applications will be accepted until March 29,2024. Assistance will be provided on a first-come basis until the program funds are allocated. The City is currently accepting applications. 

Click here to download an application(PDF, 125KB)

Please submit your completed application in person, by mail, fax or online. 

Step 4.We will contact you

After receiving the application and determining income eligibility, city staff will inspect and determine if the driveway qualifies for the program and the extent of the driveway repair/replacement. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received

The city will put the driveway out for bid, with all other driveways in the program. The property owner must approve the driveway design prior to it going out for bid. The city will engage and manage the driveway contractor. The city will attempt to give the property owner reasonable notice of when the work will begin.

The city at any time, without prior notice, and at its sole discretion, may modify or eliminate this program. State and local grants are ordinarily taxable for federal income purposes. If awarded, the City will report the grant to the IRS and send you a Federal IRS Form 1099. Please consult a tax professional if you have questions about any possible tax liability you may incur.