Council Hearing Set on Program Funding

Simi Valley will suffer a 55% cut in certain federal funds this year that will affect everything from earthquake repairs and wheelchair ramps to adult education and the Boys & Girls Club.

On Monday the Simi Valley City Council plans a 6:30 p.m. public hearing at City Hall so that program directors who rely on these funds can plead their cases and residents can make their feelings known.

Last year, Simi Valley received approximately $802,200 in Community Development Block Grant money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Such grants go to all cities with populations of 50,000 or more.

But this year, HUD has warned the city that it would be entitled to only $382,000 because of continuing uncertainty over the federal budget, according to a city report. Depending on how much of this year’s federal spending requests remain intact once Congress and President Clinton resolve their differences and sign the new budget, HUD may give more money to Simi Valley in the coming months, the report says.

In the meantime, the council will hear public comment on spending plans for the grant money such as these:

* A revitalization project for the Tapo Street business corridor including lighting, landscaping and facade improvements, which would be allotted $198,486.

* A $10,000 allotment for Catholic Charities’ OASIS outreach program for elderly residents in need of grocery delivery, taxi service and help with caring for relatives suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

* A $42,500 plan to expand the Baseballers Against Drugs program to include people involved in Child Abuse and Neglect Inc., Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ventura and others.

* A $20,000 plan to build a functioning windmill exhibit at the Simi Valley Historical Society and Museum.