Maine plans to eliminate downtown CDBG funds to combat crime
The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development is proposing to shift some federal development funding to a law enforcement and crime prevention grant program.
Maine Public Broadcasting Network reported that the state department that administers the federal Community Development Block Grant Program plans to eliminate the funding for the Downtown Revitalization Grant Program.
That program, which was allocated $400,000 in this year’s plan, provides funding to communities for downtown revitalization projects including public facilities, infrastructure and housing assistance.
DECD Commissioner George Gervais told MPBN that the Safe Neighborhood Program is a higher priority for the department. He said when a community doesn’t have the resources to deal with drug problems, there is a negative impact on it.
If additional federal funding becomes available, it could be used for the downtown program, Gervais said.
MPBN reported that at a public hearing on the plan Wednesday, several community representatives objected to eliminating the downtown revitalization funding, including Augusta Mayor Dave Rollins.
The department plans to issue its final decision on block grant programs before Jan. 1.
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