SAN BENITO — The city is pumping federal money into areas where residents will reap its benefits.
That’s why next year’s proposed Community Development Block Grant money targets areas including streets, parks and the Resaca Trail.
Later today, the city will hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed spending plan.
This year, the federal program is expected to provide the city $406,237, up from $50,000 this year.
“It was a present surprise,” Bernard Rodriguez, the planning and development director who oversees the federal program, said last week. “We’re fortunate there was more money at the (federal) level and more funds were allocated.”
The city wants to earmark the money to help reach more residents.
“The city looks at the needs of the general area,” Rodriguez said. “By upgrading things like parks and walking trails, our aim is to reach as many people as we can in the area.”
This year, the city’s proposed allocation includes spending $215,571 on street projects, $10,000 on park improvements and $39,000 for a land purchase for the Resaca Trail.
