HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-02-28 05-91 RESOLVEcounaL
Rem No O l
Dale: 2-28-05
Item/Subject: Resolve, Expressing Support for the Federal Community Development Block Grant
Program and Urging the Maine Congressional Delegation to Work For Continued Full Funding of this
Program.
Responsible Department: Community and Economic Development
President Bush's proposed federal budget culls for the elimination of the Community Development Block
Grant Program. In an unspecified proposal, CDBG Is to be merged with a variety of other programs and
assigned W the Commerce Department. Overall funding for the merged program will be significantly
below current funding for the CDBG program alone. It is also undefined are the purpose of the new
program, what will qualify for funding, and whether the program will be competitive or at least In part
based on entitlements, as is the current CDBG program.
The CDBG program in Bangor has been highly successful in assisting us in such areas as housing
rehabilitation, downtown redevelopment, and economic development The elimination of this program
will have a strongly negative impact on our community.
Department Head
The Government Operations Committee recommends that the City formally go on record supporting the
CDBG program and its funding.
(�(A INCity Manager
Assocua tl Information:
Legal Approval:
Ci Solicitor
ItroduceY for
_X Passage
First Reading page _ of
Referral
05-91
Assigned to C6"ciloi D'Evvico February 28, 2005
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CITY OF BANGOR
(TITLE.) Resolve, Expressing Support for the Federal Community Development Block Grant
Program and Urging the Maine Congressional Delegation to Work For Continued Full Funding of
this Program.
WHEREAS, in his fiscal year 2006 budget, President Bush has proposed eliminating the
Community Development Block Gram (CDBG) Program, a program which funds a
myriad of social services, public improvements, economic development, and
housing programs In Bangor; and
WHEREAS, thirty years of CDBG funding has fostered a strong network of relationships
between Bangor and it's residents and has created a viable urban community by
providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic
opportunities, principally for low- and moderate -income persons; and
WHEREAS, numerous participants are involved in our COBS program, and their hard work,
economic investment, and devotion to community Insures the quality and
effectiveness of this program and Its on-going commitment to economic
development, job creation and retention, and preservation of and reinvestment in
our neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, the Community Development Block Grant program provides the funding to meet
urgent needs where existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to
the health or welfare of the community and where other financial resources are
not available to meet such needs;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CTfY OF
BANGOR Mat we hereby oppose the proposed elimination of the Community Development
Block Grant Program.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we hereby petition the U.S. Congress and Administration to
recognize the outstanding Work being done locally and nationally by the Community
Development Block Gram program and Its vital Importance to our community and to the people
Who live in Its lower income neighborhoods. We urge all federal decision makers to strongly
oppose any proposal M eliminate or to substantially reduce the funding fpr the Community
Development Block Grant Program.
05-91
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Copies of this resolution be conveyed to the appropriate
elected and appointed officials of the Federal government and that the City of Bangor be added
to the roM of those committed to the presevallon and full funding of the Community
Development Bock Grant program and the maintenance of its essential features over the mum
of this and the neM session of Congress.
IN cin coven
February 28. 2005 p 05 91
Metioo Made S Seconded
fuT Passage) H& S 0 L V 8
ciT4 C Expressing Support for the Federal
C opmen rogram and
Urging She Maine Cougressiooal Delegation t
werk for Corutinued Full Feuding of the
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