Downtown development grant program announced

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM ANNOUNCED
Municipalities to Compete for Remediation Assessment Funding
MONTPELIER Vermont municipalities seeking to study the feasibility of
restoring property located in a town or village center may apply for
grants up to $10,000 under a new grant program announced by the
Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Activities may include environmental assessments, building
conditions analysis, corrective action planning, cost
estimating, engineering or other professional evaluation of
land, buildings or property infrastructure components required
to ascertain the suitability of the property for renovation,
construction, or utilization for a specific purpose. Grant
recipients are required to provide a 25% match.
Our downtowns and village centers offer tremendous reuse
possibilities, said John Hall, Commissioner of the Department
of Housing and Community Affairs. This administration is
committed to revitalizing and strengthening our traditional
downtowns, this program will enhance our ability to do so.
Applications are available from the Vermont Department of Housing and
Community Affairs with a submission deadline of September 10th. Selection
of successful grant applications will be made by the Commissioner of DHCA
in consultation with the Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources.
Eligible applicants are municipalities, however, municipalities can apply
on behalf of a property owner. Priority will be given to projects located
within designated downtown or village centers. Other key criteria include
overall feasibility, new tax revenue potential, the extent to which the
project reduces development pressure, consistency with the town plan and
demonstrated financial need.
For more information on the program contact Jim Saudade, Deputy
Commissioner of DHCA at 802-828-5200 or email
mailto:[email protected] .