Your article, “Stray dogs overrun tourist district,” in Friday’s paper credits me with obtaining this grant, however; and that is not correct. Mayor Flores applied for and won this grant. He should be congratulated for taking the initiative and for putting together a winning proposal.
It is true that Congress appropriates the money that Interior awards to Mayor Flores and other grant applicants, and that we set parameters for how the money can be used. Once awarded, I publicize these federal grants for two reasons: 1) to keep everyone aware of how much federal assistance the commonwealth receives, and 2) to make sure that Mayor Flores and other successful applicants for competitive grants get recognition.
Unfortunately, the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives has decided to cut technical assistance grant funds by $2 million beginning October 1. So there will be fewer opportunities for Mayor Flores and other citizens with good ideas to get the funding they need to help our community.
GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO SABLAN
Member, U.S. Congress
