Connecticut officials seek federal money for local projects
The city and town officials met with members of the state's congressional delegation on Capitol Hill as Congress tackles its annual budget.
A prime concern for the local leaders are proposed cuts in the Community Development Block Grant program, which helps pay for a range of local projects such as neighborhood revitalization, job training, after-school programs and handicapped access.
"It's the biggest hit," said James J. Finley Jr., executive director and CEO of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, which hosted a breakfast forum in the Capitol with local officials and lawmakers. "We're counting on the Connecticut delegation for help."
Transportation, education and homeland security needs are also important to Connecticut officials.
Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., said he and his Connecticut colleagues would work hard to secure more money for the state's cities and towns.
"We hope to restore these cuts," Larson said.
President Bush's new budget request for fiscal year 2009 would cut direct block grant aid to the state by about 18 percent, officials said. The state got about $27.5 million in such funds for fiscal year 2008, according to officials.
"We can't afford the cuts," said Sergio Rodriguez, a New Haven alderman. "It impacts a lot of people."
New Haven has gotten $3.6 million in block grant funding this year that was used for things like lead poisoning abatement and prevention programs, elderly services and affordable housing, officials said.
Groton Mayor Harry Watson said block grant funds have helped his town fix roads and sidewalks.
"It's really helpful in neighborhoods that need a bit of an uplift," Watson said.
Manchester Deputy Mayor Matthew Peak said his town has used block grant funds to help train people to become certified nurse's aids so they can earn more money.
Peak said Manchester is also seeking federal money for a fuel cell project in a sewer treatment plant that will cost more than $1 million.
"We realize we're in an environment where cuts are being made," Peak said of the federal budget process Congress is beginning. "We're using that money as effectively as possible."
Local officials called on Congress to provide $2 billion for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program aimed at helping communities develop energy efficiency strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., said he would press for as much as $40 million in block grant money for Connecticut in the coming months as budget bills are crafted on Capitol Hill. But he warned that the nation's troubled economy, including the home foreclosure crisis, is making it harder these days to secure federal aid.
"We're under some very difficult economic circumstances," Dodd said.
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