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July 26, 2006 – Five southern Worcester County communities have been awarded $3,048,781 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Department of Housing and Community Development for a housing and commercial rehabilitation and infrastructure improvements projects according to the area legislative delegation. The grant is part of $31 million in federal Community Development block grants awarded to 61 communities across the state.
“Rehabilitating and improvement projects are essential to the continuing social and economic vitality of a growing community,” said Senator Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge). “This funding would allow these towns to make vital repairs to infrastructure and would provide necessary assistance to the town's low- and moderate-income homeowners. I am confident that these improvements to the area will help improve the lives of residents and spur economic growth.”
The following towns in the Worcester District receiving funds include:
Blackstone $583,216
Milford $600,000
Northbridge $665,565
Southbridge $600,000
Webster $600,000
Representative Marie J. Parente (D-Milford) joined in applauding the town’s efforts and dedication to community development. "This significant award from the state will allow the town of Milford to pursue important local projects to attract businesses and improve housing availability," said Parente. "I applaud the efforts of Susan Clark and the Milford Community Development office for obtaining this valuable grant."
"The town of Southbridge has done wonderful work with previous block grant awards, which leads to this years success and its grant award. I applaud local officials for making it such an easy grant to advocate on their behalf,” said Representative Mark J. Carron (D-Southbridge).
"I am pleased that this grant has been awarded to Northbridge," stated Representative George N. Peterson, Jr. (R-Grafton). "These additional funds will allow the town to upgrade its infrastructure, creating quality improvements for the community."
"The award of the block grant will continue the infrastructure improvements that have been very valuable to the central part of Webster. The replacement of sewer lines and repairs to extremely old streets will enhance the way of life for Webster residents. I would like to thank Director Jane Gumble for doing an outstanding job,” said Representative Paul Kujawski (D-Webster).
“This is great news for the Town of Blackstone,” Representative Jennifer M. Callahan, (D-Sutton) stated. “These grants are intentionally targeted for smaller towns to allow them to make housing improvements for residents and infrastructure upgrades for the town. Blackstone has substantial housing rehabilitation needs and there will be many families that will benefit from this grant funding.”
Community Development Block Grants are issued annually by the federal government and are administered to communities with populations of less than 50,000 by the state Department of Housing and Community Development. CDBG funds are targeted to communities to provide decent housing and suitable living environment and to expand economic opportunities, principally for persons of low- and moderate-income. Eligible communities with populations greater than 50,000 receive CDBG funds directly from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
To learn more about Senator Moore’s legislation and his work in the Massachusetts Senate, log onto his web site at www.senatormoore.com
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