WASHINGTON, DC – July 23, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — Third District communities Gardner and Methuen will receive $900,000 and $417,295, respectively, in federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to support housing rehabilitation, public service projects and local infrastructure.
“Community Development Block Grants are some of the most valuable tools cities have to promote economic development, modernize infrastructure, and respond flexibly to local challenges,” said Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. “Since coming to Congress, I have strongly supported funding the CDBG program at the level necessary to meet community needs, joining a coalition of my colleagues in urging Congressional support for the program. CDBG is one of the federal government’s most cost effective programs, enabling communities in my district, in Massachusetts and across America to leverage their resources to quickly respond to emerging needs. These funds will help provide affordable and secure housing to families in the Third District; education, job training and other kinds of assistance to residents; and can create construction jobs that boost the local economy and help put people back to work. They’re an excellent investment in our communities and provide benefits well into the future.”
The funding will help Gardner with the Mill Street factory demolition and housing rehabilitation assistance for five units. The grant will also go toward a public facilities design project and it will support homebuyer education, job training, literacy, and medical transportation services.
“Community Development Block Grant funds are vital to cities like Gardner,” said Gardner Mayor Mark Hawke. “They provide the needed funding to spur economic growth, support small businesses and repair the local housing stock. Block grant funds are helping to rebuild Gardner.”
Methuen will use the funds to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to eight units and support childcare assistance, adult literacy, youth, and transportation assistance services for eligible residents.
“We greatly appreciate the strong relationship between Congress and the City of Methuen,” said Methuen Mayor Stephen Zanni. “These funds will help support housing rehabilitation, social programs at Methuen Arlington Neighborhood, Inc., daycare at our YMCA, library needs, and transportation to and from the Methuen Senior Center. Again, we thank Niki and her office for all their efforts in helping Methuen receive these much needed Federal funds.”
In all, $27.5 million in federal grants will be received by cities and towns in Massachusetts.
Congresswoman Tsongas has long supported federal funding for local economic development projects and organizations, including Community Development Block Grants, and she has advocated for and helped secure numerous such grants across the Third District.
