Changes proposed to block grant funding procedures
BY KEVIN CANFIELD World Staff Writer
Thursday, January 17, 2013
1/17/13 at 5:36 PM
The city of Tulsa on Thursday proposed changes to the way community development block grants are processed and allocated.
The proposed changes are a response to the $700,000 fine the city received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for not spending funds in a timely fashion.
City councilors were told Thursday that the city has had to repay about $7 million in block grant funding since 1974 because the projects didn't meet HUD's national objectives.
Community development block grants are allocated to local agencies to provide services to the city's low- and moderate-income population.
The city's proposals are intended to ensure that physical projects are moving along in a timely fashion.
The City Council will do a first reading tonight on the proposed ordinance changes -- including the administration's proposals -- to modify the block grant funding process.
The recommendations would require applicants to:
- Demonstrate the financial capacity to do project.
- Show other funding sources dedicated to the project.
- Provide a cost estimate by a certified cost engineer for the entire project.
- Commence the project within six months.
