Council authorizes applying for EDA grant for McClellan redevelopment; developer to cover match if funded

Staff explained the city’s proposal to designate the McClellan redevelopment as an economic-development catalyst and to authorize city officials to apply for an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to help pay infrastructure costs. The staff representative said the designation recognizes the project’s potential to spur additional residential development at McClellan and that the resolution "gives the city officials the authorization to apply for an EDA grant that we have identified... that could help with a lot of the infrastructure, which is the most costly thing right now with the project."

A council member asked whether the city would be responsible for grant matches; staff replied that under the existing agreement with the developer, any required matching funds would be paid by the developer if the grant is awarded. Staff emphasized that the authorization is to apply only and does not currently commit the city to funding the project.