This month, the Department of Economic Development (DED) recognizes National Community Development Month, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the 41st anniversary of its operation in Missouri. The CDBG program, which improves and supports communities’ wellbeing and capacity for growth, is overseen and funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered at the state level by DED. DED will celebrate the impact of the program with an event on Monday, April 8, in Clarksville, which has received CDBG funding for the construction of a flood wall.
“National Community Development Month is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of investments made in our state’s communities,” said Governor Mike Parson. “The Community Development Block Grant program is a valuable resource and another way we’re improving critical infrastructure, enhancing public safety, and encouraging economic growth.”
DED’s event in Clarksville will celebrate the CDBG program’s support for the construction of the city’s flood wall in addition to the program’s statewide impact. DED team members will join elected officials and community partners for a proclamation ceremony and town hall meeting with business owners to discuss the project. Clarksville, located near the banks of the Mississippi River, has frequently suffered flood damage that has negatively affected buildings and businesses. The flood wall project, supported through more than $11.2 million in CDBG funds and leveraging more than $3.6 million in matching funds, will provide greater protection from flood events and the revitalization of Clarksville’s historic downtown district.
“For 41 years, the Community Development Block Grant program has been alive and well in Missouri, strengthening our communities and expanding economic opportunities,” said Michelle Hataway, Acting Director of the Department of Economic Development. “We’re excited to recognize the program’s positive impact during Community Development Month while celebrating how it’s helping Missourians prosper.”
Since the CDBG program’s inception in Missouri in 1982, more than $1.1 billion has been awarded for nearly 3,600 projects that have benefited more than 36.6 million Missourians. The program provides funding for projects such as street and roadway repairs, storm water and drainage improvements, demolition of dilapidated structures, and construction of new public facilities such as childcare centers and fire stations. CDBG also supports broadband development, infrastructure improvements, and public facility construction projects. Funds are awarded on an annual basis with counties and municipalities also allocating resources to meet urgent needs and benefit low- and moderate-income persons.
Monday's event in Clarksville will also be livestreamed on DED's Facebook page.
About National Community Development Month
National Community Development Month was created in 1986 to bring national attention to the CDBG Program through grassroots support. The main objective of National Community Development Month is the education of congressional members on the importance of CDBG, its impact, and the need for sustained program funding.
To learn more, visit coscda.org/advocacy/national-community-development-month.
About the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
CDBG programs are designed to support the well-being of Missouri communities and create greater capacity for growth, whether by addressing local health and safety concerns or improving local facilities, such as senior centers and community centers. Grants are available in a variety of categories and can be utilized for a variety of community development initiatives.
For questions or to learn more about the CDBG program and CDBG categories, visit ded.mo.gov/cdbg or contact mocdbg@ded.mo.gov.
About the Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.
For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.