Show-Me State Times

The City of St. Louis has been awarded a significant grant of $25,834,000 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to aid in the long-term recovery efforts following the devastating flash flooding that hit the region in the Summer of 2022. As part of the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, this funding is crucial for rebuilding and strengthening the resilience of the community and infrastructure.

In a statement, Nahuel Fefer, the Executive Director of the City of St. Louis - Community Development Administration (CDA), emphasized the importance of addressing the unmet needs of residents. Fefer stated, "Our top priority remains household relief for unmet needs, including home repair and direct relief payments."

To ensure that the recovery efforts are in line with the needs and priorities of the community, CDA is actively seeking input from residents. The CDA Community Resident Unmet Needs Survey has been launched to gather valuable feedback that will guide the direction of projects and initiatives under the CDBG-DR program. The survey aims to identify various unmet needs such as home repair, infrastructure restoration, economic revitalization, public services, and planning and preparedness.

The CDA is committed to engaging with residents throughout the planning process. A 30-day public comment period and public meetings will be held to further involve the community in shaping the recovery pathway. Details about the survey and engagement opportunities can be found on the CDA's website.

The CDBG-DR program is a critical federal initiative that focuses on long-term recovery, infrastructure restoration, housing, and economic revitalization in the aftermath of major disasters. The City of St. Louis is currently in the process of developing a comprehensive Action Plan that will outline the eligible projects and activities to be undertaken with the allocated funds. This planning process involves data review, community input, and collaboration with key stakeholders.

As the City works towards rebuilding and enhancing its resilience, the CDA plays a vital role as the clearinghouse for federal, state, and local funds. By implementing various community development activities, the CDA is dedicated to supporting public services, affordable housing, and economic justice initiatives in line with the Mayor's agenda.

The efforts to address the unmet needs of residents and rebuild the City of St. Louis' infrastructure are crucial steps towards a more resilient and vibrant future for all residents.