Given the reliance on federal funding many projects in the city of Sacramento rely on, and those of regional projects needing signatures of the mayor and other governing executives, the discussion around the legality of awarding federal funds is an important one, and this is the latest.
An excerpt.
“Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson disputes a legal memo suggesting the city likely is barred from receiving federal grants because of problems alleged at an urban Peace Corps-style program he founded.
"I don't think he will be correct on that," Johnson said today, referring to an opinion by Frederic M. Levy, a contracting and compliance expert. "All indications are that the city of Sacramento won't be impacted."
“The analysis sought by City Attorney Eileen Teichert found that the city likely is barred from getting federal money -- including tens of millions of dollars the city expects from the new stimulus package -- because Johnson is on a list of individuals who are suspended from receiving federal funds…
“Johnson said his own attorney had talked to the city attorney and Rep. Doris Matsui, adding, "There is not one single penny prevented from coming to the city of Sacramento. There hasn't been any concern or caution on the part of anybody back in Washington."
“As evidence, Johnson noted that the city already has received $30 million in federal funds since he became mayor.”
