The Texas Community Development Block
Grant Program
The Regional Services Department assists the Texas Department of Rural Affairs (TDRA) with the implementation of the
Texas Community Development Block Grand 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).
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 Rural Affairs (TDRA).. 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.
Solid Waste
Reduction/Recycling
Since 2000, SPAG has helped fund over $1.7 million in solid waste projects. Regional Services
provides staff support to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC). The SWAC is involved in the Solid Waste
Grants process and is composed of 18 members from throughout the
region who represent a cross-section of interest in solid waste
management issues. The Committee reviews and ranks the
Solid Waste Grant Proposals within the region and makes funding recommendations
to the SPAG Board of Directors for each funding year.
Follow these links to learn about the
programs SPAG offers through the TXCDBG program.
| National Association of Counties (NACo) |
| National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) |
| Texas Department of Rural Affairs |