There are some questions about the community impact of certain federal grants in Elkhart, putting their future in jeopardy.
The city council is reviewing a grant program that’s been in place for 20 years. ABC 57 reports that the Community Development Block Grant program has poured $25 million into the city, designed to assist in areas such as housing, education, and employment.
Elkhart’s low income areas were expected to shrink and need less assistance. Instead, even more residents are qualified for CDBG assistance, and the low income areas now account for a third of the city.
The council is considering whether or not the program should be labelled as a failure, and another plan put in place. The Finance Committee has about a month of further discussion about the grant. The council will vote in August.