Statement from Mayor Melton on the Rescinded Federal Funding Freeze

I was deeply disappointed to learn about the abrupt freeze on federal grants and loan funding. This decision created unnecessary panic and fear in the City of Gary and communities nationwide.  

While I am pleased that U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan temporarily blocked the freeze and the White House decided to rescind it, this incident highlights the vulnerability of our communities when essential funding is suddenly halted. The City of Gary would have faced significant setbacks, as many of our revitalization projects depend on these funds for demolition, housing initiatives, neighborhood blight elimination, and infrastructure improvements. This temporary suspension underscored the critical need for stable federal support, as these resources directly impact the well-being of our residents and the progress of our city.  

Moving forward, I urge federal leaders to ensure that such disruptions never happen again. Our residents deserve reliable funding for the services that have been promised to them. At the end of the day, it is the citizens of this country who bear the greatest burden of reckless decision-making.  

-Mayor Eddie D. Melton