Community Development Block Grants in Alaska

Revised July 2024

The Community Development Block Grant Program was enacted in 1974 with the purpose of consolidating a variety of federal programs under a single umbrella. These included programs relating to water and sewer, public facilities, neighborhood facilities and development, historic preservation, open spaces, urban renewal, and model cities.

Today, CDBG provides annual grants to state and local governments to develop viable communities by providing suitable housing and living environments, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for people with low- and moderate-incomes.

CDBG funds may be used by grantees to provide for the following:

• Acquisition of real property
• Relocation and demolition
• Rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures
• Construction of public facilities and improvements, such as water and sewer facilities, streets, neighborhood centers, and the conversion of school buildings for eligible purposes
• Public services, within certain limits
• Activities relating to energy conservation and renewable energy resources
• Provision of assistance to profit-motivated businesses to carry out economic development and job creation/retention activities

Each activity must meet one or more of the following national objectives:

• Benefit low- and moderate-income persons
• Prevent or eliminate slums or blight
• Address community development needs that pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community for which other funding is not available.

More information about the CDBG program in Alaska can be found on the  DCRA website .