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Council approves CDBG application package to compete for roughly $1.9 million in federal funds
Summary
After debate about timing and civic support priorities, the council approved the city's Community Development Block Grant application package to apply for approximately $1.9 million in federal funding, with staff noting the grant deadline requires a prompt decision.
The Newport City Council approved the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application package and accompanying resolution to apply for the current competitive round of federal funding, estimated at about $1.9 million. Councilors debated whether the short notice limited review of which community organizations would be included on the city’s project list.
City staff and the contract consultant said the application is time-sensitive: the submission deadline is the twentieth of the month, and the municipality must submit the package to remain eligible. “If this is continued, we have lost that entirely,” said a staff presenter, urging the council to act so the city can compete for the funds.
The proposed project list includes a mix of infrastructure and public service requests. Staff highlighted a major local project for skate park improvements at the North End and noted one public-service item: East Bay Community Action Program dental equipment (noted in council discussion as $40,000). Councilors asked whether civic support requests had been adequately considered; staff said the CDBG program is separate from the civic support process, has federal eligibility constraints, and not all civic support requests qualify for CDBG funding.
After discussion and some procedural motions to table other agenda items earlier in the meeting, councilors voted to approve the CDBG application; a roll call indicated approval (ayes have it). Staff said the city would compile individual applications with partner organizations and submit them before the deadline.
Next steps: staff will assemble the full submission and file it by the required date; individual sub-applications from partner organizations will be included for state review and funding distribution if awarded.
