An Interview with U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development

By Frank Morris

Kansas City, Missouri – Many projects in Kansas City's urban core, and west side have been funded in part, through federal grants. The list of projects assisted by these grants includes shopping centers, retirement homes, street improvements, and dozens of private businesses, just to name a few. Last week, in his budget, President Bush proposed a 30% cut in these funds, as part of an overhaul of the economic development grant system called the Strengthening America's Communities Initiative. US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development David Sampson will be in Missouri on Thursday, February 17 promoting the initiative. Speaking with KCUR's Frank Morris on Wednesday afternoon, Sampson said the proposal involves consolidating 18 programs into one.

US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development David Sampson discussed the Bush Administrations proposed cuts to economic development grants with KCUR's Frank Morris. Sampson will speak on the topic in St. Louis on Wednesday, February 16.