The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides flexible funding to carry out a wide range of community development activities directed toward neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and improved community facilities/services. Beginning in 1974, the CDBG program is one of the longest continuously run programs at HUD. All CDBG-funded activities must meet one of the following national objectives: (1) Benefit low- and moderate-income persons; (2) Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight; or (3) Meet certain community development needs having a particular urgency.
In Indiana, CDBG funds may be utilized to address construction or renovation of various infrastructure projects such as water, wastewater and solid waste facilities, streets, and flood control projects; construction or improvements of a range of community facilities such as senior, health and social services centers; expansion of public services to serve low-income persons; creation of new jobs through small business loans or infrastructure improvements; and various affordable housing projects including home reconstruction, rehabilitation or repair programs.
For the first quarter of 2024, funding is divided into the following program categories:
- Blight Clearance Program - Funds encourage Indiana communities with eligible blighted properties to focus on long-term community development and revitalization. Eligible project sites include (1) deteriorated or abandoned downtown buildings and (2) Vacant and unusable industrial sites.
- Public Facilities - Funds encourage Indiana communities with eligible populations to focus on long-term community development. Eligible projects include (1) ADA Accessibility, (2) Community, Learning, Healthcare, Senior and Daycare Centers, (3) Dams/Levees, (4) Fire Protection/EMS Buildings, (5) Historic Preservation, (6) Libraries, (7) Parks and Recreation, and (8) Special Needs Buildings
- Stormwater Improvements - Funds assist Indiana communities that suffer from flooded property and sewer backups and flooding due to inadequate stormwater management. Projects should aim to (1) Reduce flooding, (2) Cut stormwater treatment and energy costs, (3) Protect rivers, lakes and vital landscape, and (4) Generate jobs and spur economic revitalization
- Water/Wastewater Improvements - Funds assist Indiana communities that struggle with inadequate water supply and failing wastewater treatment. Projects should aim to (1) Protect the health of community members and the environment, (2) Reduce utility rates for low-to-moderate income communities, and (3) Improve rural infrastructure to enable long-term economic growth.
For more information on these projects and other program details, contact the appropriate community liason listed at: http://www.in.gov/ocra/files/OCRA_CLmap_Opps_Seal_5.17.pdf.
Past CDBG Awards can be viewed here: https://events.in.gov/event/lt_gov_crouch_ocra_announce_21_communities_to_receive_129_million_in_federal_grants
Additional information, including state priorities and plans, can be viewed at: https://www.in.gov/ocra/cdbg/
During these unprecedented times, OCRA will continue with the suspension of multiple programs in response to COVID-19 including Stellar Communities Program, Quick Impact Place based Grant, Public Facilities Program. Our decision reflects the priority of maintaining flexibility to respond to the impact of the pandemic on rural communities. We will continue to evaluate the pandemic's impact and priorities of rural communities to determine the feasibility of reinstating suspended programs.