Three Frederick County Communities Receive Combined $1.25 Million for Infrastructure and Accessibility Improvements
The projects are three of 13 across the state to be funded through the Community Development Block Grant program
NEW CARROLLTON, MD (September 13, 2023) – Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has announced that three communities in Frederick County have received a total of $1,251,897 through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The federal grants, administered by DHCD, will be used to support infrastructure improvements in the Town of Emmitsburg, make accessibility improvements in the City of Brunswick, and provide eligible county homeowners with funds to support accessibility improvements.
The Town of Emmitsburg was awarded $552,500 to replace a deteriorating, 70-year-old water line with numerous safety issues. The City of Brunswick was awarded $499,397 to construct or replace sidewalks, install ramps and make other accessibility improvements on North Maple and West B Streets. Frederick County will receive $200,000 to support emergency home improvements for low- to moderate-income homeowners to increase exterior and interior accessibility for elderly and disabled residents.
“These grants will help homeowners in our community stay in their homes by paying for ramps and other accessibility aids,” Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said about Frederick County’s grant. “Thanks to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development for helping to create a bright future for the people of Frederick County.”
“We have been hard at work in Brunswick with a comprehensive commitment to improve existing sidewalks and “sidewalk gaps” throughout our community,” said Brunswick Mayor Nathan Brown. “It’s been a safety, accessibility and common sense need throughout our community. Through our efforts and this critical funding, we will improve the quality of life for our residents!”
More than $5 million in Fiscal Year 2024 Community Development Block Grants were awarded to 13 projects in eight counties across Maryland, including improvements to infrastructure and community facilities, as well as programs serving homeless persons, persons with disabilities, and low- to moderate-income individuals.
“Maryland’s local leaders have their finger on the pulse of their residents and communities, each with its unique needs,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “With the partnership of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, we’re excited to be a part of helping these important projects come to life for the residents of Frederick County.”
The national Community Development Block Grant program was enacted into law by Congress as part of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Since then, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program has supported community redevelopment, affordable housing, and the expansion of economic opportunities. CDBG consists of two parts — the Entitlement Program, managed by HUD and providing federal funds directly to larger metropolitan counties and cities, and the States and Small Cities Program, providing federal funds to states which distribute assistance to more rural counties, cities and towns.
For a full list of awards, please visit https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Documents/PressReleases/SFY24-CDBG-Awards.pdf.