A team from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is in town looking over the efforts of Mercer County Housing Authority and its contractors to meet federal goals for hiring residents.

The three-member team from the Office of Economic Opportunity is examining attempts to meet Section 3 standards to find employment and training and award contracts.

"Section 3 focused on providing economic opportunity to low- and very low-income public housing residents and residents in the community," said program analyst Ken Gant. "We want to make sure the housing authority receiving federal funds is providing these opportunities."

When a contractor is hired and a job opens, the federal government wants to see a qualified public housing resident or community member get a chance at the job.

The federal government set a goal of 30 percent of new hires by contractors and subcontractors to come from those who would be most affected by the work.

Although the most visible project under review is the HOPE VI redevelopment of Steel City Terrace in Farrell, a Section 3 provision is part of every contract the authority awards.

"Don't think of this as an audit," Gant said. "Think of this as an assistance review. We don't just count figures."

A followup review will be conducted and, if any compliance issues are discovered, a compliance review could commence.

At this stage, if a deficiency is found, "We will try to brainstorm with Mr. Boosel's staff how to reach that goal," Gant said, referring to Executive Director L. DeWitt Boosel.

"We want to make sure the residents are getting every advantage to find training and jobs and contracts," Gant said. "Think of us as an ally right now."

Authority HOPE VI coordinator Frank Gargiulo said he believes the authority is complying with Section 3. He said two carpenters, one electrician, one plumber and one or two laborer's aides have been hired locally for the Steel City project.