It's Community Development Block Grant Week around the nation, and New Bedford is joining in on the 40th anniversary of the start of the program.

Mayor Jon Mitchell, Congressman William Keating, and other officials and community representatives marked the special occassion with a speaking program Thursday.

Mayor Mitchell noted CDBG funds are crucial to communities like New Bedford, but since it's inception in 1974, funding has faced devastating cuts.

Mitchell did, however, commended Patrick Sullivan, Director of the Office of Housing and Community Development and his team for effectively dispersing monies throughout the city.

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