Uncertainty reigns over possible end of 9/11 health programs
Two federal programs that promised billions of dollars in compensation and medical care to sick 9/11 responders and survivors are set to expire next year.
City consolidates planning, federal programs offices
Columbus councilmen have consolidated the offices of city planning and federal programs into one department and named city planner Christina Berry to lead it.
Federal Programs Director demotes himself
Columbus Federal Programs Director Travis Jones was suspended 15 days without pay and voluntarily demoted himself to a project coordinator position within the office Tuesday.
With city’s error, no grant for low income homeowners
For the second time in less than six months, the city of Columbus is not eligible for a state grant because of errors on its part.
The city has three low income residents who could have received state funding to rehabilitate or rebuild their homes. They won’t, though, because city officials failed to follow a publication guideline that disqualified its application for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program grant.
City disqualified for rehab grant due to error
Mississippi Development Authority public relations and media manager Jeff Rent confirmed the city of Columbus’ HOME rehabilitation/reconstruction grant application did not pass because publication guidelines prior to a public hearing were not met.
Federal programs critical in Columbus schools
Up to 95 percent of children in the Columbus Municipal School District qualify for free or reduced lunch. Each school year, the district applies for nearly $3 millions in federal funds to make sure those children receive the same advantages as the district’s other children.