05/27/2022
Date: May 24, 2022
To: Kansas Department of Commerce - CDBG Program
From: Northwest Kansas Planning & Development Commission
Board of Directors
re: Public Hearing and Notice of CDBG Proposed Change for 2023
Northwest Kansas Planning and Development Commission (NWKP&DC), which serves the 18 northwest Kansas counties (nearly 1/5th of the State of Kansas) and is governed by a county commissioner from each of the 18 counties and 9 at-large members, wishes to express their DISAPPROVAL of the proposed changes to the 2023 CDBG Program.
The Board of Directors unanimously passed a resolution opposing the changes. Historically, the NWKP&DC and NW Kansas Counties have been very active in utilizing the CDBG Program for infrastructure needs. While we recognize the need for the proposed non-profit Early Childhood Centers, Youth Recreation Centers, Parks, Sidewalks and Trails, those needs are far “out-weighed” by the basic needs for improved water systems, sewer systems and community facilities (which include fire trucks and ambulances).
We are also against the set aside of $1 million for “Regional Water Projects.” Our region has been working towards regionalization of water availability for years. One example would be the connection of the water system of the small community of Bogue to the larger community of Hill City, which was ten miles away. Normal “water” CDBG Funds were used to complete this project.
Therefore, the board of directors feel it is in the best interest to include that $1 million in with the “normal” CDBG water funding. Under the proposed Commercial Rehabilitation category, we oppose the special dedication of $1 million for removal of architectural barriers. As just mentioned in the proposed Regional Water Projects, we have been utilizing “normal” CDBG funds for years in the removal of architectural barriers in making buildings accessible to all. This funding needs to compete with other CDBG applications and not have a special allocation.
We agree with moving the annual competition for Housing applications to an open round. As far as the CARES Act - CV4, with approximately $2 million remaining, we feel this funding should be available to ALL businesses which may have been disproportionately impacted during the pandemic. Minority and Women-owned businesses were eligible for funding from CDBG-CV rounds 1, 2 & 3, therefore, round 4 should be available to any County in the State, even if that County had previously received funding from 1, 2 or 3.
What would be very beneficial (if possible) is to allocate, say $400,000 to each Regional Planning Commission and utilize those funds for businesses anywhere in the region. Although it may be a specific need, adding a new category for arts-related job training and employment for youth is too specific of a category. If we are to add a category for job training, it should be more universal for various types of job training.
The Urgent Need category of only $100,000 being allocated is very low. One cannot predict urgent needs, but if you leave it in as a category, it should be at least $500,000.
And finally, we agree with the proposed increase for administrative fees. Thank you for your consideration of our recommendations. To reiterate, the need in nearly all rural areas of the State is for water, sewer and community facilities and not youth centers, parks, sidewalks and trails.
For the NWKP&DC Board of Directors, - Randall J. Hrabe Executive Director
Cc: Governor Kelly
Northwest Kansas State Legislators
