Community Development Block Grant
Introduction
The City of Bentonville became an entitlement community to receive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in 2003. The purpose of CDBG funds is to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low and moderate income persons. The program is authorized under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, Public Law 93-383, as amended; 42 U.S.C.-5301 et seq.
Now in our eight year as an entitlement community, Bentonville has established a successful, competitive grant process. The 2011 Action Plan has a strong element of partnership with local agencies, which include the Benton County Sunshine School, Boys & Girls Club of Benton County, Decision Point, Habitat for Humanity of Benton County, Havenwood Transitional Housing Facility, Helen Walton Children’s Enrichment Center and Rebuilding Together of NWA. During the 2011 program year, the City will also provide infrastructure improvements such as the development of a neighborhood park. In addition, J-Quad Planning Group has been hired to draft up to date “Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice” document.
Target Areas
The City has identified two target areas that are more than 51% low-to-moderate income based on the 2000 census data. These
are located in the central portion of the City and adjacent to each other. The Census Block groups are: (1) Census Tract 205.01,
Block Group 2 with 57.9% LMI, and (2) Census Tract 205.02, Block Group 1 with 54.4% LMI.
Click here to view
the Target Area Map.
Eligible Activities
CDBG funds may be used for activities which include, but are not limited to:
- acquisition of real property;
- relocation and demolition;
- rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures;
- construction of public facilities and improvements, such as water and sewer facilities, streets, neighborhood centers,
- and the conversion of school buildings for eligible purposes;
- public services, within certain limits;
- activities relating to energy conservation and renewable energy resources;
- provision of assistance to profit-motivated businesses to carry out economic development and job creation/retention
activities.
Ineligible Activities
Generally, the following types of activities are ineligible:
- acquisition, construction, or reconstruction of buildings for the general conduct of government;
- political activities;
- certain income payments;
- construction of new housing by units of general local government
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