Federal funds from block grants are used for Santa Clarita capital projects.

Over the past decade, block grants of about $7 million have been used for sidewalks and gutter improvements in East Newhall and in parts of Canyon Country.

About $250,000 went to the Santa Clarita Child and Family Center, and $1.2 million into the building the city’s new $7 million community center.

The President’s 2007 budget proposes cutting Community Development Block Grants by $736 million, or 20 percent, though by including funds earmarked for specific projects and related programs, the cut is closer to 25 percent, or about $1.1 billion.

The grant is generally restricted for infrastructure and affordable housing for low- and moderate-income areas, but the Department of Housing and Urban Development program allows enough flexibility for cities and counties to tailor the program for local needs, including social services.

Santa Clarita’s block grant funds have also been leveraged into loans for larger infrastructure projects, including road widening.

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