ITEM TITLE:
Resolution # 17-40 Calling on the Alaska Congressional Delegation to Support Continuation of Full Funding for Rural Community and Economic Development Programs
SUBMITTED BY: Ruth E. Knight, Mayor
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: N/A
Unencumbered Balance: N/A
Funding Source: N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Resolution # 17-40
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The federal FY 2018 budget proposal titled “America First: A Budget Blueprint to Make American Great Again” recommends elimination of multiple federal agencies and programs essential to rural community and economic development.
(Link to federal budget proposal: <https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BUDGET-2018-BLUEPRINT/pdf/BUDGET-2018-BLUEPRINT.pdf>)
The City of Whittier unanimously passed a Resolution in late August 2017 calling upon the Alaska Congressional Delegation to support continuation and full funding for rural community and economic development programs, such as the US Economic Development Administration, the HUD Community Development Block Grant Program, and the Denali Commission amongst others. The City of Whittier Resolution is attached for reference.
Mayor Knight requested a similar Valdez City Council Resolution be placed on the agenda for Council consideration, as Valdez and other Prince William Sound communities utilize these programs and would be effected by the proposed federal budgetary reductions. Mayor Knight will verbally provide additional background on the Resolution during the Council meeting.