WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 14, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco, R-Morris and Somerset, has requested a regulation change to benefit our veterans and the greater community surrounding VFW and American Legion posts. For many years, these posts were provided access to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding through county governments.
Recently, it was learned that according to the HUD Federal Regulations, veterans are not a presumed benefit population, and the posts are not considered public facilities. As a result, counties have ceased the practice of funding projects for the VFWs and American Legions. These projects were not only beneficial to the posts but also to the municipalities in general as the funds were used to update these facilities. Many of these grants were used for improve heating systems, repaving roads and roof repairs.
“It is my understanding that the HUD regulations specify that CDBG funds can only be used to fund private non-profit facilities that are generally open and available for public use and, if a fee is charged, the fee will not prohibit participation by low- and moderate-income individuals,” Bucco said. “I am told that in order to qualify under the definition of ‘open and available for public use,’ a facility must be in use by organizations or groups that provide services to a population of individuals that is predominantly low and moderate income at least 50 percent of the time.
“With that in mind, I would respectfully request that the federal government consider a regulation change to allow VFW and American Legion Posts to qualify for CDBG funding,” continued Bucco. “During times of emergencies, such as Super Storm Sandy, Irene and the Nor’easter in October 2012, many of these VFW and American Legion Halls became warming and charging stations for the public.
“Providing financial assistance to pave their parking lot or repair their roof can be quite beneficial in these difficult economic times, not to mention the fact that the men and women of these posts have served our great country and deserve our help in preserving their facilities,” stated Bucco.
