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City approves CDBG funding plan

Jun 21, 2017 03:57PM ● By Travis Barton

South Jordan City Council approved the annual action plan for Community Development Block Grant funds. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

By Travis Barton | [email protected]
 
 
The South Jordan City Council unanimously approved the annual disbursement of its Community Development Block Grant funds.
 
The funds are planned to be distributed to public service agencies around the valley, for facility improvements at places like the Odyssey Home and to install or repair ADA ramps around the city.
 
CDBG is a federal program run by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Market since 1974. It aims to provide communities with resources to address community development needs.
 
“The CDBG programs for the development of viable urban communities through decent housing and expanded economic opportunities,” said Jake Warner, city planner who heads the CDBG committee which selects where the funds go before seeking approval from the city council.
 
They also plan to add funding to administration and planning which, Warner said, with a potential general plan update coming, they’ve been building up funds for that.
 
Warner said to receive these funds requires a five-year strategic plan (South Jordan’s runs to 2019) and an annual action plan that demonstrates “how you’re going to spend the funds on a yearly basis.”
 
With a new federal administration this year, Warner was uncertain on the exact amount they would receive but estimates approximately $220,000. The carryover from the prior year was $99,871, meaning the total would reach $319,871 for the upcoming fiscal year (July through June).
 
Public services set to receive funds include South Valley Sanctuary, Utah Community Action program for its food bank and case management, The Road Home, Community Health Centers, INN Between and Legal Aid Society.
 
Representatives from those agencies expressed their appreciation during the city council meeting.
 
Jennifer Campbell is the executive director at South Valley Services—a domestic violence service provider. She voiced her gratitude to the city council for their support and for the city’s law enforcement.
 
Campbell said the organization has partnered with South Jordan police in the Lethality Assessment Protocol.
 
“So what’s happening is when your amazing police are out on calls and they find individuals who are at a high risk of domestic violence, they’re calling and immediately speaking with our victim advocates,” she said.
 
It allows interested individuals to then seek shelter and case management with South Valley Services.
 
Joanna Wheelton is the director of administration at the Odyssey House, which provides treatment for addiction and mental illness. She said the funds the group receives will complete work on its HVAC project.
 
“This hard cost project will finally complete over five years of effort to provide adequate heating and cooling for more than 400 low income clients we see each year,” Wheelton said.
 
Mayor Dave Alford acknowledged those who work in social work and their efforts.
 
“We know you give up your time and your hearts to make our communities better…if only we had more (to give),” he said.
 
Warner estimated the amount of ADA ramps installed and repaired would be “in the 80 ramp range.”
 
Selecting where the money goes falls on the shoulders of the CDBG committee made up of city employees from varying departments.
 
The committee receives applications for program funds, and then each member scores the application on eight separate categories, such as benefits to South Jordan residents and how closely the organization ties to the program’s objectives.  
 
Councilwoman Tamara Zander asked Warner to pass on her gratitude to the committee for the work they did.
 
“Please express to the committee how grateful we are they did their homework,” Zander told Warner during the city council meeting. “Because there are certainly many vital agencies that are doing great service.”