Fiscal lift for area communities (Central Massachusetts)
By John J. Monahan
Worcester TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
BOSTON- The state will be receiving less money for community development block grants from the federal government than last year, but Gov. Deval L. Patrick yesterday said 55 communities will receive $26.7 million in grants for local economic-development and community-improvement projects.
He said more than 250 housing units will be rehabilitated with the funds, primarily single-family homes for low- and moderate-income households.
State officials said the state received $34.4 million last year and would get $33.5 million this year for the portion of the program administered by the state to award competitive grants to communities with less than 50,000 population. Besides the $26.7 million in community grants, $6.2 million will be used for other housing and economic-development programs.
Thirty-six larger cities in the state that receive community development block grant funds directly from the federal government will get a total of $73.7 million this year, with Worcester getting $4.58 million, Fitchburg $1.15 million and Leominster $507,000.
The governor and Sen. John F. Kerry, D-Mass., said the funds have become increasingly helpful to many communities that compete annually for a share of the statewide allocation, because it is one of the few sources of unencumbered revenue that communities have discretion to spend on community-improvement and economic-development projects.
U.S. Rep. Michael E. Capuano, D-Somerville, said while the federal funding was reduced from last year, Democrats in Congress had to fight for even lower amounts as the administration had sought to dramatically reduce funding for the program.
Gardner and Hudson will both use a portion of their funds to improve their community senior centers and other local projects.
Spencer, which had not received grant funds in recent years, this year was awarded a grant.
Athol received an allocation for local projects and is also leading a grant that will be shared by Athol, Petersham, Phillipston and Royalston for housing programs.
