St. Louis County is allocating $3.5 million of federal funding to “to support projects that strengthen neighborhoods, expand opportunities for children and families, improve public infrastructure and address critical community needs across the region.” Several projects were identified to receive funding in the categories of public services, parks and public facilities and infrastructure and neighborhood revitalization.

The $3.5 million is thanks to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, which are allocated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support local projects — specifically those that benefit residents with low and moderate incomes.

“Community Development Block Grant funding remains one of the most important tools available to support local priorities and address community needs,” Acting Director of the Department of Human Services Kevin McKenna stated in a press release. “By aligning federal resources with the priorities identified by residents, we are maximizing impact while continuing to serve communities facing some of the greatest needs.”

Several projects in South County will receive CDBG funding. In the public services category, the Lemay Child and Family Center will receive $80,000 to support its early education program. 

Black Forest, Jefferson Barracks and Sylvan Springs parks will all receive funds for park improvements. They are three of six parks receiving park improvement funding across the county; the other parks are Bella Fontaine, Larimore and Spanish Lake. Together, the six parks will receive $1,792,376.

As for funding that could impact all corners of the county, the county’s Department of Transportation and Public Works will receive $260,000 towards its County Demolition Program. This program identifies and demolishes vacant and abandoned properties, aiming to “prevent blight and stabilize county neighborhoods.” 

Through this, code enforcement officials work with other county departments to identify which properties are eligible for demolition. Though numbers fluctuate, there are currently 2,000 on the demolition list, according to the county. Approximately 200 of those are moving through the demolition process, which is usually completed within seven to nine months.

The remainder of the CDBG funding will be sent to support a range of projects elsewhere in the county. Such projects include scholarships to a child development center or emergency shelter operations at a Bridgeton homeless shelter, as well as street improvements in University City and Vinita Park.

“We are committed to investing in the people and communities that make Saint Louis County strong,” said County Executive Sam Page. “These federal resources allow us to partner with municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and County departments to advance community priorities, expand opportunities for youth and families, and improve neighborhoods throughout St. Louis County.”