At least in the eyes of one federal agency, the city has arrived.
West Jordan has received "metropolitan status" from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. The new designation means the city will get a direct allocation of Community Development Block Grants as well as qualify for approximately $60,000 more in grants, City Manager John D. Hiskey said."This is excellent news," Hiskey said. "It means we will become an entitlement city and receive more money from Congress."
Community Development Block Grants are used to fund community projects like housing and parks.
The designation is made when a city's population reaches 50,000. Although preliminary results of the U.S. Bureau of the Census' 1990 count place West Jordan's population at 42,261, Hiskey believes the final results will put the city over the top.
As a metropolitan city, West Joran is eligible for direct allocation of Community Development Block Grant Funds. Previously, West Jordan participated under the program through Salt Lake County.
Though federal officials can't predict the funding level to be authorized by Congress, they have estimated West Jordan will receive $302,000 during fiscalyear 1990, a $60,000 increase over the current allocation.
"The city will now be responsible for monitoring those moneys and making sure the funds are spent properly," Hiskey said.
Funds can be used to improve community areas where low income citizens live, as well as to improve the environment, Hiskey said.
Incorporated as a town on Jan. 10, 1941, West Jordan's population has grown to more than 50,000. In 1950, West Jordan had a population of 2,107.
West Jordan will apply directly to HUD for the funds beginning in July 1991.