Town of Westernport Receives $198,700 for Demolition of Town Hall

The project is one 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 the Town of Westernport in Allegany County has received $198,700 through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The federal grant, administered by DHCD, will be used to demolish a blighted building that formerly served as the Town Hall.

The Town of Westernport recently relocated its Town Hall from an older, deteriorating building to a new facility on Main Street. Funds will be used to demolish the former, blighted Town Hall, located near Potomac Volunteer Fire Company No. 2’s firehouse on Washington Street. Removal of the property will create space for further redevelopment.

“We are so very appreciative of receiving this Community Development Block Grant. This grant will improve our town center by removing the dangerous and dilapidated old Town Building and putting in a green space for community activities to be held,” said Mayor Judy Hamilton. “It will also allow us to assist the local volunteer fire department with relocating and stabilizing their emergency response siren. We truly appreciate our partnership with CDBG.”

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 this important project come to life for the residents of Westernport.” 

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.