DCED Awards $1.6 Million In Land Use Planning Grants

The Department of Community and Economic Development this week announced $1.6 million in grants to 43 communities in 25 countiesto help breathe new life into downtowns, convert brownfields into shovel-ready land and improve the quality of life for residents.

 

"This investment is good news for communities that are striving to make life better for residents and to bring new jobs within their borders," said George Cornelius, acting Secretary of DCED. "It can be very difficult for communities to balance their desire to both attract new development and preserve their cultural and historic identity. Those that find that balance and follow their plan become beacons for other communities to follow and places where businesses and people want to be."

 

Acting Secretary Cornelius said the new investment comes from DCED's Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program, which is designed to help communities pay for costs associated with finding the best way to address transportation, infrastructure, brownfield, housing, parking, open space, and historical preservation needs. While funding can be in any amount, awards require a 50 percent match.

 

A list of grants awarded is available online.

 

Visit DCED's Community Planning webpage for more information on land use programs.