Special Report...
CDBG Grants for Libraries
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), a source of federal tax dollars distributed through state economic development agencies, are available for the first time this year to accredited public libraries in Nebraska. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) administers the Community Development Block Grant program, providing Nebraskans appropriate, affordable, and accessible housing and infrastructure. The following questions and answers are offered to help Nebraska libraries apply for these funds:
Q. How do we know if our library project fits with CDBG goals?
A. The project must comply with the state's Community Development Objective, which reads, in part, "...to provide for investments in effective and affordable infrastructure to quality communities that are investing in long-term development. This provides a sound basis for fostering local economic development, recognizing the importance of the availability and condition of public works/facilities and housing in business expansion and location decision."
Q. Which funding categories do public libraries fall under?
A. Public libraries are eligible to apply for funding under the category of "public works," and they may also apply for removal of architectural barriers. Public libraries can also apply for funds related to planning or planning for capacity building. Applying for a planning grant is advisable if the library board is just beginning to consider whether or not to build, renovate, or reconstruct a facility.
Q. What requirements must public works projects meet?
A. Public works projects must meet one of the following national objectives:
Benefiting low and moderate-income persons (The 51% level seems to be an important mark to hit.)
Aiding in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight
Meeting other community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to health or welfare of the community and other financial resources are not available to meet these needs
Q. What activities are eligible for CDBG funding?
A. Eligible activities include, among others:
Acquisition of real property to be used for provision of public works, facilities, and improvements eligible for assistance under this program
Acquisition, construction, reconstruction, or installation (including design features and improvements...that promote energy efficiency of public works, facilities (except for buildings for the general conduct of government), and site or other improvements
Special projects directed to the removal of material and architectural barriers that restrict the mobility and accessibility of elderly or handicapped persons
Q. How will the requirements for this funding affect the library project?
A. The following procedures must be addressed:
The local governing body (city/town/village council or county board) must pass a resolution to approve application for these funds. That is the body that actually applies for the funding. (Note: Contact Richard Miller, Library Commission Library Development Director, 402-471-3175, 800-307-2665, e-mail: Richard Miller for a copy of a model agreement, spelling out the relationship between the applying body and the local entity, e.g., library.)
The project must include a citizen participation plan. The project must have buy-in from the community and cannot be developed in isolation.
When the document is in final draft, a public hearing on the application for CDBG funding must be held.
Grants require 25% match of the total activity costs in cash or in-kind contributions
Since this is federal funding, there are a number of "post award requirements" (just as there were when the Library Commission distributed federal library construction funds). A partial list of requirements includes records retention schedule, single audit act compliance, wage rate, competitive bidding, and environmental review.
Q. What is the funding cycle for CDBG?
A. There are two funding cycles: April 1, 2002 through April 15, 2002, and October 1, 2002 through October 15, 2002. Applications are accepted during each period based upon U.S. Postal Service postmark date or date of delivery by other means.
Q. How can we get help with CDBG Applications?
A. The DED Website, crd.neded.org/cdbg.html, offers helpful information including documents, 2002 Community Development Application Guidelines for Improvements to: Water or Wastewater Systems and Other Public Works/Facilities and 2002 Planning and Planning for Capacity Building Application Guidelines.
For clarification or a copy of the CDBG guidelines and application, contact: Steve Charleston, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Community and Rural Development Division, P.O. Box 94666, Lincoln, NE 68509, 402-471-3119, 800-426-6505, fax: 402-471-3778, e-mail: scharleston@neded.org.
