SIOUX FALLS, SD – The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) is celebrating National Community Development Month and the 50-year anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
“My Office of Economic Development is always helping communities and businesses grow and achieve their goals,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “It’s so exciting to see communities across our state continue to develop, grow, and thrive.”
The CDBG program provides funding to ensure suitable living environments are maintained and economic development opportunities are expanded for South Dakota’s low to moderate income populations. This competitive program requires a percentage of the total project cost be paid through local funds.
In the past 37 years that GOED has been administering the CDBG program, the total amount awarded is $346,480,634.
“From workforce development training to community infrastructure needs, GOED is pleased to partner with local planning districts on this program,” said GOED Deputy Commissioner Chris Schilken.
Funding levels are based on a variety of factors including application requests, benefit to low- and moderate-income populations, nature of the project, and project timeline.
Community needs, including water and wastewater infrastructure, community centers, medical centers, workforce training, senior centers and industrial infrastructure that will assist businesses creating new job opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals are examples of projects eligible for CDBG.
CDBG funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by GOED. Sioux Falls and Rapid City receive their own funding, as does tribal land.
“This program plays a significant role in the needs of many South Dakota communities,” said GOED Finance Director Travis Dovre. “South Dakota has been utilizing the CDBG program for decades and we are proud of the work that has been accomplished in communities across the state.”
Information about CDBG can be found here.