In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the urgent need to allocate approximately $100,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to qualifying projects aimed at enhancing accessibility in low to moderate-income areas. The proposal, which seeks council approval, is driven by the risk of losing unspent CDBG funds due to a looming deadline for expenditure.

City staff will oversee the installation of ADA ramps throughout the community, strategically targeting areas that will have the highest impact. The funds will be reimbursed back to the general fund, ensuring that the projects are executed efficiently and effectively.

Officials highlighted the importance of timely spending, noting that the next evaluation of fund usage will occur in June 2025. Past delays in utilizing CDBG funds have raised concerns, as the city has faced challenges in meeting spending requirements over the last two years. The meeting underscored the necessity of drawing down the remaining balance through various projects, including lighting improvements and speed bumps, to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with federal guidelines.

Additionally, a suggestion to add a crosswalk at Lake Sacajawea was deemed ineligible for CDBG funding, as it does not fall within a qualifying area, further emphasizing the need for careful planning in the allocation of these critical funds.