Watch: Columbia Kicks Off Community Development Week
Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — Monday marks the start of community development week across the nation.
City of Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin says, “Lyon Street, the Vista, Earlewood park, Elmwood park, almost every neighborhood has been touched by our CDBG Programs
The week long celebration recognizes programs like The Community Development Block Grant and the Home Investment Partnerships, that use federal funding to create clean, affordable housing and improve economic conditions in communities across the nation.
“There can be nothing better to be done with federal dollars than to return it to the community and make life better for those that we serve,” says Larry Knightner with the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
According to Mayor Benjamin over the last five years, the City of Columbia has received nearly $4.5 million in CDBG funds and more than $2.5 million in HOME funds.
Money he says had made a significant difference for city residents, “We’re seeing a tool that when leveraged properly can truly change communities and that’s what it’s done here in Columbia, South Carolina.”
With nearly $20 million in CDBG funding on it’s way to the city for flood relief, the Mayor explains that deciding how to allocate funds is a top priority.
He says, “Columbia Canal is the single largest project in the entire state. We’re currently seeking proposals from various contractors and we’re focusing not just on repair but on resiliency.”
In addition to repairing the canal city officials say they’ll use the money to restore residents lives.
The city will host pop-up stations at the following locations on corresponding dates:
Tuesday, March 29th – Drew Wellness Center 10:30 – 12:30
Wednesday, March 30th – Washington Square 10:30 – 12:30
Thursday, March 31st – City Columbia Human Resources 10:30 – 12:30
Saturday, April 2nd – Martin Luther King, Jr. Park 9 – 1:30
