The Texas Community Development Block Grant Program:
The Regional Services Department assists the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) with the implementation of the Texas Community Development Block Grant Program (TXCDBG) in the SPAG region. Under this program, SPAG provides local community development planning as well as grant writing and administration. One of the most important areas of the program is the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG).
The objective of the TXCDBG program is the development of viable communities by providing public infrastructure, suitable living environments, and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income. Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) are available to eligible units of local government.
All incorporated cities and counties in the SPAG region are eligible for these funds, with the exception of the City of Lubbock, an entitlement city that receives a direct allocation of CDBG funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In the SPAG region, the Community Development Block Grant program focuses on providing basic infrastructure to rural communities. Projects given top funding priority include water, sewer system improvements and street improvements.
Annually, each of the 24 planning regions in the state receive a formula-based allocation of funds for which applicants can compete. The CDBG applications are scored based on criteria developed by the Regional Review Committee (RRC) and points allocated by Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA).. The RRC is a 12-member committee composed of local elected officials appointed by the governor. Grants are awarded to the highest ranking cities or counties. Projects are funded until all available money is expended from that cycle.
Grant Writing and Grant Administration
SPAG takes an active role in providing assistance to member cities and counties seeking funding for various community development projects. SPAG staff is available to meet with city councils, commissioners courts, and other interested citizens concerning the application process for the Texas Community Development Block Grant Program, the Texas Capital Fund, Small Town Environmental Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Development Administration , and other grant programs. The Regional Services Department writes and administers these grant projects.
Planning/Capacity Building Fund
Another important program under the TXCDBG is the Planning and Capacity Building Fund. This fund provides grant money for local planning activities. It has the same eligibility requirements as the CDBG fund. The planning process undertaken with these funds should result in an improved local capacity to identify long and short-term needs and to develop strategies to address identified community needs.
