Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation

From: Laura Craft [mailto:LCraft@grfoundation.org]
Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2004 10:37 AM
To: Comments
Subject: Community Reinvestment -- RIN 3064-AC50

I oppose the FDIC's proposal to allow banks with assets above $250 million to be examined as small banks under the Community Reinvestment Act. This policy would reduce lending, investments and services in low-income communities. CRA has had a significant impact on bank re-investment in low-income communities in Grand Rapids, increasing opportunity for low-income families to purchase homes and improve them. This has a tremendous impact on investment in neighborhood revitalization and helping people to move out of poverty. CRA is a powerful economic development tool and should continue for banks of all asset sizes.

Laurie Craft
Program Director
Grand Rapids Community Foundation
209-C Waters Bldg.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: 616/454-1751 Fax: 616/454-6455