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State & Local Projects

Community Development Block Grants (housing)

Section: Division A, Title XII | Agency: Dept. of Community Affairs

The primary statutory objective of the CDBG program is to develop viable communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low- and moderate-income. Florida program information is available at: www.floridacommunitydevelopment.org/cdbg/nsp.cfm

Brief description of program or funding including funding distribution method (formula or competitive grant):

Title XI of ARRA appropriates $1 billion to the CDBG program to carry out eligible activities under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.  The State of Florida will be allocated $7.5 million from this appropriation to be used for CDBG eligible activities.  Specifically ARRA requires that priority be given to projects that can award contracts based on bids within 120 days from the date the funds are made available to the state.

The primary statutory objective of the CDBG program is to develop viable communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low- and moderate-income. The state must ensure that at least 70 percent of its CDBG grant funds are used for activities that benefit low- and moderate-income persons.  HUD distributes funds to each state based on a statutory formula which takes into account population, poverty, incidence of overcrowded housing, and age of housing. Neither HUD nor states distribute funds directly to citizens or private organizations; all funds (other than a percentage of administrative funds) are distributed by States to units of general local government.

The funding under Recovery Act has clear purposes – to stimulate the economy through measures that modernize the Nation’s infrastructure, improve energy efficiency, and expand educational opportunities and access to health care.  Grantees must give preference to activities that can be started and completed expeditiously, including a goal to obligate at least 50% of the funds for activities that can be initiated within 120 days.

When funds are expected to be available:   

Using the 2008 regular program allocations the state’s distribution will be administered in accordance with federal guidelines.   HUD published guidelines on May 7, 2009.  States are required to submit substantial amendments to CDBG 2008 Action Plans by June 29, 2009.  They are available at:  http://www.floridacommunitydevelopment.org/cdbg/Files/Misc/finalCDBGRPlan.pdf and http://www.floridacommunitydevelopment.org/cdbg/Files/Misc/CDBGRActivityDataSpreadsheet.pdf

How long are funds available:  Expenditure deadline of September 30, 2012

Conditions or prerequisites for accessing funds (include matching or MOE requirements):   No state match or MOE requirements on these funds.