One of the largest beneficiaries of that funding is the Murray Boys & Girl's Club, which received $163,950 from county CDBG grants this year.

"The good that they do in our community is beyond comprehension," Murray Mayor Dan Snarr said. "These resources are absolutely critical to keep our community safe."

Although St. Claire noted that most of the county's programs are not run by CDBG money alone, that funding is critical to keeping the programs afloat and the facilities up to date.

At Catholic Community Services, for example, CDBG funding only makes up a small portion of the agency's $4 million budget. But that money was vital when the group needed something as simple as a grease trap in its food kitchen.

"Had we not been able to get the grease trap, the Health Department would have closed us down," St. Claire said. "It kind of has this domino effect."

Rob Jeppsen, county intergovernmental affairs director, said he's confident the funding cuts won't actually materialize in next year's federal budget. But he noted that if the issue becomes politicized during Senate and House negotiations this week, there is a chance the cuts could become reality.

"You can get these quirky little side games that are motivating things that make you nervous," he said. "People that are dealing with those programs every day are nervous about it."

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E-mail: estewart@desnews.com