Governor Daugaard Awards Block Grants

Gov. Dennis Daugaard awarded nearly $1.5 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to three South Dakota communities. The money, awarded to Eagle Butte, Wagner and Yankton, will assist with projects totaling more than $8.8 million.

“South Dakota’s CDBG program continues to assist community projects focused on improving the quality of life for our residents,” said Gov. Daugaard. “This year alone, the CDBG program has helped 13 communities with projects totaling almost $28 million. Our community leaders are taking important steps to improve the health and quality of life for their residents. I’m pleased to award these funds to projects that are doing just that.”

The CDBG awards include the following: j Eagle Butte will utilize a $515,000 grant to improve wastewater and storm sewer systems in the community. j Wagner will utilize a $515,000 grant to upgrade water and wastewater utilities. j Yankton will use a $412,000 grant towards the construction of the local Boys & Girls Club.

The CDBG program provides local governments with funding to complete projects that improve living conditions. The CDBG program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

South Dakota separates their annual allocation into three separate accounts: 1.The Community Projects Account is for a wide range of community development needs. Typical projects include water and wastewater infrastructure, community centers, workforce training, medical centers, and senior centers. 2.The Special Projects Account is to help communities provide industrial infrastructure to assist businesses to create new job opportunities for LMI persons. 3.The Imminent Threat account is available to help communities address an urgent need of recent origin which poses a risk to the health and safety of its residents.

Eligible projects must be consistent with at least one of the State’s program objectives: 1.Promote more rational land use. 2.Provide increased economic opportunities for low and moderate income persons. 3.Correct deficiencies in public facilities that affect the public health, safety or welfare, especially of low and moderate income persons.

For more information visit www.sdreadytowork.com.