Dennis to Receive $799,111 from CDBG Program

Representative Cleon Turner (D-Dennis) is pleased to announce that the Town of Dennis will receive $799,111 from the 2010 Massachusetts Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. A total of $33.6 million in federal grants will be given to 68 Massachusetts communities to fund infrastructure improvement projects, boost social services and increase housing and business development opportunities.

“This government investment in the Town of Dennis is an important step toward both preserving the beauty and cultivating the economic strength of the community” said Representative Turner.

The CDBG program is the Commonwealth's largest available resource that provides municipalities with funding to support neighborhood revitalization projects and meets the housing and public service needs of low- and moderate-income populations. Additionally it builds and repairs infrastructure vital to the health and safety of all residents. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and funds are distributed by the state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to cities and towns in Massachusetts with populations of less than 50,000.

"These grants will help communities get to work on a variety of projects that will make a real difference in people's lives and our Commonwealth stronger in the long run," said Governor Patrick. "Whether they are used to spruce up homes or storefronts, better public services, or replace streets and sidewalks, these funds will generate jobs and make neighborhoods better places to live, work and conduct business."

Eligible communities with populations greater than 50,000 receive program funding directly from HUD Communities may apply for CDBG funding for activities including: housing rehabilitation projects, infrastructure repair or replacement, construction or rehabilitation of public facilities, neighborhood improvement projects, economic development loans and other business assistance programs, social service upgrades, downtown improvement projects, architectural barrier removal and planning. The maximum grant for a single community is $800,000 or $1 million for a single community undertaking multiple, geographically targeted activities. Regional applications are accepted.

“We have a wonderful opportunity to invest this money in infrastructural and economic improvements in the Town of Dennis- especially in projects will have lasting impacts within Dennis”, Representative Turner commented