State Grants To Help Fund Ocean City Projects

BALTIMORE - Governor Martin O'Malley has announced funding that would stimulate reinvestment in and revitalize Maryland's historic and Main Street communities. 

Standing at Veterans Park, in the heart of the Dundalk commercial center, Governor O'Malley announced $7 million in Community Legacy awards for 73 projects across the State.  Eight organizations on the Eastern Shore received $882,000 in assistance for 13 projects.

In Worcester County, $245,000 in grants were awarded. Here's a look at what projects were funded:

·         Downtown Ocean City Entrance Project, $25,000: The Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) plans to provide an appealing entranceway into downtown Ocean City on Philadelphia Ave.

·         OCDC Commercial Façade Program, $50,000: OCDC wants to provide funding for the enhancement of commercial buildings' exteriors between the Inlet and 17^th Street.

·         OCDC Residential Façade Program, $50,000: OCDC is seeking funds to help residential property owners improve their building facades.

·         City of Pocomoke, $100,000: Funds are planned to be used to renovate the city's police department headquarters.

·         Town of Snow Hill, $20,000: Monies will be used to support a façade improvement program in the downtown historic district.

'Even as we face a national economic downturn, we must do all that we can to protect our priorities and enhance our quality of life.  Preserving community heritage and economic strength is important for community development and revitalizing the communities in our State,' said Governor O'Malley.  'These grants help support local businesses and homeowners in improving and strengthening Maryland's historic neighborhoods and towns, and improving quality of life for Maryland families.'

The Community Legacy program is administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's (DHCD) Division of Neighborhood Revitalization.  Its mission is to provide funding for local economic development activities that stimulate reinvestment and strengthen communities through activities such as business retention and attraction, encouraging homeownership and commercial revitalization.

'We are proud to collaborate with these localities and improvement organizations on the Eastern Shore,' said DHCD Secretary Raymond A. Skinner. 'Today is a great example of how State and local partnerships contribute to neighborhood revitalization, which creates a synergy between commercial and residential projects that result in more vibrant communities all over Maryland.'

Community Legacy funding, in the form of grants and loans, is available for projects located in Priority Funding Areas and is meant to compliment and supplement other State funding programs. As part of a competitive application process, communities are required to have and/or develop a comprehensive revitalization plan that specifically identifies projects meant to revitalize transitional neighborhoods and downtowns.