Code of Maine Rules
19 - DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
498 - OFFICE OF TOURISM AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 30 - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM: 2002 FINAL STATEMENT
Section 498-30-2 - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Universal Citation: 19 ME Code Rules ยง 498-30-2

Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024

A. HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANTS

The Housing Assistance Grant (HA) Program provides funding to address housing problems of low and moderate-income persons.

1. Special Threshold Criteria and Certifications: Housing Assistance Program funds will be distributed through an annual grant application selection process with two eligible funding categories, Housing Rehabilitation and Innovative Housing Projects. Applicants may only apply in one category.
(a) Eligible Activities:
i Eligible activities under Housing Rehabilitation are rehabilitation of occupied or vacant single family or multi- family housing units and Relocation Assistance.

ii Eligible activities under Innovative Housing Projects include Acquisition, Alternative Housing, Code Enforcement, Conversion of Non-Residential Structures, Demolition, Down Payment Assistance, First Time Homebuyer's Programs, Historic Preservation, Lead Based Paint Removal, New Housing Construction, Provision of Potable Water or Sewer Systems, Relocation Assistance, and Removal of Architectural Barriers and must be directly related to assisting or creating LMI residential housing units.

(b) Housing Assessment Planning Requirement: All communities applying for 2002 Housing Assistance funds must have completed a comprehensive housing assessment planning study within the past five years. Communities with plans older than five years will be permitted to demonstrate that their plan is under active implementation and is still valid or has been updated within the past five years.

(c) All communities applying for Housing Assistance funds must certify that they will:
(i) adhere to MRSA Title 10, Chapter 214, Energy Efficiency Building Performance Standards Act, Section 1415- c (1), (1A) and Section 1415-G in the construction of any new residential housing units;

(ii) provide a local match equivalent of 10 percent of the total grant award.

(iii) adhere to Title 24 CFR Part 35 regarding Lead Based Paint Hazards effective 9/15/2000.

2. Special Program Requirements:
(a) Past Performance: In order to be eligible to apply for the 2002 Housing Assistance program, communities that received CDBG grants in or prior to 1998 must have closed their grants prior to application due date. Communities that received CDBG grants in 1999 must have conditionally closed their grants prior to application due date. Communities that received CDBG grants in 2000 must have obligated 50% of their benefit activity funds prior to application due date.

Exceptions: Applicants may request a waiver of this requirement under the following circumstances:

1) program delays have occurred beyond the control of the grantee due to unforeseen changes in availability of funds or acts of nature;

2) the recipient has received unanticipated program income and expenditure of grant funds has been delayed;

3) the job creation goals of a previous grant have not been fulfilled; or

4) special circumstances as determined and approved by the CDBG Program Director.

(b) Maximum Housing Assistance Grant Amount: $400,000

(c) Maximum Housing Assistance Program Costs: The amount of rehabilitation grants or loans available to participants in the Housing Rehabilitation Program will be no more than $15,000 per unit. Additional funds, up to a maximum of $10,000 may be available in the following cases: replacement housing, serious code violations, foundation work, inadequate sewage disposal, lack of potable water, presence of asbestos, lead-based paint, radon, or other hazardous material, or accessibility modifications. Except for acquisition/relocation and those activities listed above, all other eligible activities under the Innovative Housing Projects are limited to a maximum of $20,000 per unit assisted.

(d) Maximum Administrative Costs: The Housing Rehabilitation Assistance Program allows expenditures for general and rehabilitation administration. The total general administration expenditures may not exceed 10% of the grant amount. However, the total expenditures for both general and rehab administration may not exceed $45,000 for programs completing up to thirty housing units. An additional $1,500 in rehabilitation administration will be allowed for each unit completed beyond thirty up to a maximum combined administration total of $60,000. Allowable administration expenditures for Innovative Housing Projects will be determined on a case-by-case basis, but will never be greater than those allowed in the Housing Rehabilitation Program.

(e) Section 8 H ousing Quality Standards: All units assisted or created with HA funds must, at a minimum, meet HUD Section 8 M inimum Housing Quality Standards. This does not apply to projects undertaken to correct specific health and safety issues only, i.e. wells, septic, heating units, removal of hazardous materials, etc.

3. Selection Process: The selection process for all Housing Assistance applications will consist of two phases - an application phase and a project development phase.

Phase I Application: The maximum length of an application is six pages. The application deadline is February 22, 2002. Applications must be accompanied by six (6) copies of a completed Housing Assessment Plan. Plans will be reviewed for content and consistency with OCD requirements prior to scoring. Housing Assessment Plans deemed incomplete or non-comprehensive will result in the application being removed from the scoring process.

Each application continuing in the scoring process will be scored in accordance with criteria set forth in Section H(4) of this Statement. At least 2 applications will be funded from each funding category as long as there are a sufficient number of qualified applications submitted.

Housing Rehabilitation

(a) Impact (1-3 points): A description of the number of and type of units to be rehabilitated, description of target area, how units were identified, results of inspections completed, past local rehabilitation efforts, and the impact of the present conditions on the community and/or region as it relates to LMI persons.

(b) Development of Strategy (1-3 points):A description of the plan proposed to implement a housing rehabilitation program, how emphasis will be placed on a community based approach, collaborative efforts to be utilized, and a summary of technical measures to be undertaken on units including energy conservation, correction of code violations, structural improvements, removal of hazardous materials, mechanical systems improvements, etc. Include a proposed budget and describe how funds will be used.

(c) Project Leverage (1-3 points): A description of other resources (local, state, federal, private) that will be contributed to the project and their current funding status.

(d) Citizen Participation (1-3 points):A description of how citizens, community groups, and project beneficiaries were involved in this application and how involvement will continue during implementation. Detail use of any media (newspapers, radio, TV, etc) to further public awareness.

Innovative Housing Projects

(a) Impact (1-3 points): A description of the specific housing problems to be addressed with HA funds, how the problems were identified, how these issues affect LMI persons in the community or region, and past local efforts involving housing projects.

(b) Development of Strategy (1-3 points): A description of the plan proposed to implement the housing project, how emphasis will be placed on a community based approach, collaborative efforts to be utilized, and a detailed summary of the activities. Include a proposed budget and describe how funds will be used.

(c) Project Leverage (1-3 points): A description of other resources (local, state, federal, private) that will be contributed to the project and their current funding status.

(d) Citizen Participation (1-3 points):A description of how citizens, community groups, and project beneficiaries were involved in this application and how involvement will continue during implementation. Detail use of any media (newspapers, radio, TV, etc) to further public awareness.

B. PUBLIC FACILITIES GRANT PROGRAM

The Public Facilities Grant (PF) Program provides funding for local public facility activities, which are part of a community development strategy leading to future public and private investments.

1. Special Threshold Criteria and Certifications: Public Facilities Program funds will be distributed through an annual grant application submission and review process.
(a) Eligible Activities: Eligible activities in the PF program are construction, acquisition, reconstruction, rehabilitation, site clearance, historic preservation, and relocation assistance associated with public facilities projects.

(b) Local Match: All communities applying for PF funds must certify that they will provide a local cash match of at least 20 percent of

the total grant award. This match may consist of all non-CDBG loans, grants, endowments, etc. contributed to the project.

2. Program Activities:

Activity Breakdown: Applicants may apply for one or more activities within a specific Public Facilities group, but cannot apply for activities from any other group.

3. Special Program Requirements:
(a) Past Performance: In order to be eligible to apply for the 2002 Public Facilities program, communities that received CDBG grants in or prior to 1998 must have closed their grants prior to application date. Communities that received CDBG grants in 1999 must have conditionally closed their grants prior to application date. Communities that received CDBG grants in 2000 must have obligated 50% of their benefit activity funds prior to application date.

Exceptions: Applicants may request a waiver of this requirement under the following circumstances:

1) program delays have occurred beyond the control of the grantee due to unforeseen changes in availability of funds or acts of nature;

2) the recipient has received unanticipated program income and expenditure of grant funds has been delayed;

3) the job creation goals of a previous grant have not been fulfilled; or

4) special circumstances as determined and approved by the OCD Director.

(b) Maximum Public Facilities Grant Amounts

Activity group Maximum Amount
Fire Stations $250,000
Community, child, senior and health centers, libraries
Sheltered workshops, Homeless shelters, Pier/wharf $250,000
Removal of architectural barriers (as a distinct, stand-alone project)$100,000
Historic Preservation (as a distinct, stand-alone project)$100,000
Fire fighting equipment, Salt/sand storage shed Transfer station, Parks and recreation facilities Public works garage, Dams $ 50,000

(c) Funding Restrictions: PF may not be used for the purpose of job creation or housing activities.

(d) Demonstration of National Objective: Applicants must demonstrate that their project meets a threshold of benefiting 51% or more low-to-moderate income persons or will prevent or eliminate slum and blighting conditions. Where necessary to demonstrate project LMI benefit, income surveys must use HUD-approved methodology and be accepted by OCD. This "demonstration" must be made as part of the pre-application.

(e) Requirement for Applications for Removal of Architectural Barriers as a Stand Alone Project: Projects seeking to assist any existing facility utilized for the conduct of general local government, or participate in any newly constructed public facility must meet the threshold of benefiting 51% or more low-to-moderate income persons.

(f) Requirements for Applications for Historic Preservation as a Stand Alone Project: Applicants must submit with the pre-application a letter from the State Historic Preservation Officer endorsing the proposed project and certifying that the facility is currently on the National Register of Historic Places, or eligible for inclusion.

(g) Priority for Public Facilities Projects: Service and specialized service center communities and activities supporting the revitalization of downtown areas will be given priority during the evaluation and selection process for awarding PF program funds. Lists of the service and specialized service center communities are available from the State Planning Office or OCD.

4. Selection Process: The selection process will consist of two phases: a pre- application phase and a final application/project development phase.

Pre-Application: The pre-application deadline is January 18, 2002. The pre-application will require the applicant to supply the following information:

1. Community, utility district and/or administrative agency information

2. Amount of grant request and summary of proposed use of funds

3. Specific health, safety, and community concerns to be addressed

4. Beneficiary Profile - from survey results or US Census

5. Municipal, and/or administrative agency financial information

6. Municipal tax structure and affect of project on rates (where applicable)

7. Specific conditions that warrant the project completion

8. How the project was identified and prioritized

9. Funding sources sought and/or secured for this project

Each pre-application will be reviewed and evaluated in relation to those of similar sized communities in its activity group and placed in rank order from highest to lowest according to the scores determined by the scoring team (with 1 being highest and 3 being lowest in each scoring category). Starting at the top of the scoring list, applicant communities will be grouped in population categories per current Maine Municipal Association information as follows: less than 999; 1000 to 2499; 2500 to 4999; and 5000 and greater. The review team will recommend a list of projects to the OCD Director to proceed into the final application/development phase. At least one application will be funded from each activity group as long as there are qualified applications submitted in all categories.

C. PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT/LOAN PROGRAM

The Public Infrastructure Grant/Loan (PI) Program provides funding for local infrastructure activities, which are part of a community development strategy leading to future public and private investments.

1. Special Threshold Criteria and Certifications: Public Infrastructure Program funds will be distributed through an annual combination grant and loan application submission and review process.
(a) Eligible Activities: Eligible activities in the PI program are construction, acquisition, reconstruction, installation, relocation assistance associated with public projects, and infrastructure in support of new affordable housing construction.

(b) Local Match: All communities applying for PI funds must certify that they will provide a local cash match of at least 20 percent of the total grant award. This match may consist of all non-CDBG loans, grants, endowments, etc. contributed to the project.

2. Program Activities:

Activity Breakdown: Applicants may apply for one or more activities within either Public Infrastructure groups, but cannot apply for activities from both.

3. Special Program Requirements:
(a) Public Infrastructure Loan: The PI loan funds may be loaned directly to a unit of general local government or county; or provided as a grant to a unit of general local government and loaned to a bona fide public or private utility or other approved entity. All loans must be provided under the terms stated in a PI Letter of Commitment and the contract between DECD and the local government or county.

(b) Grant to Loan Ratio and Repayment Terms: All communities receiving PI funds will be funded through a ratio of sixty percent (60%) grant and forty percent (40%) loan of the total amount of CDBG assistance. Terms of loans will be a maximum of twenty (20) years at an interest rate not to exceed (4%). Final loan terms and rates of interest will be determined by the OCD based upon local financial capacity and affect on low/moderate income ratepayers. In cases of extreme hardship, the CDBG Program Director may waive the loan requirements in full or in part.

(c) Past Performance: In order to be eligible to apply for the 2002 Public Infrastructure program, communities that received CDBG grants in or prior to 1998 must have closed their grants prior to application date. Communities that received CDBG grants in 1999 must have conditionally closed their grants prior to application date. Communities that received CDBG grants in 2000 must have obligated 50% of their benefit activity funds by prior to application date.

Exceptions: Applicants may request a waiver of this requirement under the following circumstances:

1) program delays have occurred beyond the control of the grantee due to unforeseen changes in availability of funds or acts of nature;

2) the recipient has received unanticipated program income and expenditure of grant funds has been delayed;

3) the job creation goals of a previous grant have not been fulfilled; or

4) special circumstances as determined and approved by the CDBG Director.

(d) Maximum Public Infrastructure Grant/Loan Amounts

Activity group Maximum Amount
Water system installation/improvements, Sewer system installation/improvements, Water/sewer system hookups Storm drainage, Utility infrastructure, Infrastructure in support of new LMI affordable housing $400,000
Streets/roads/sidewalks, parking, curbs and gutters $100,000

(e) Funding Restrictions: PI funds may not be used to assist infrastructure for the purpose of job creation. Job creation infrastructure activities are eligible in the Economic Development Infrastructure Grant program. With the exception of proposals for infrastructure in support of new housing construction and sewer/water system hookups, no housing activities may be assisted with PF & PI funds. All other eligible housing activities are listed in the Housing Assistance Grant program.

(f) Demonstration of National Objective: Applicants must demonstrate that their project meets a threshold of benefiting 51% or more low-to-moderate income persons or will prevent or eliminate slum and blighting conditions. Where necessary to demonstrate project LMI benefit, income surveys must use HUD-approved methodology and be accepted by OCD. This "demonstration" must be made as part of the pre-application.

(h) Priority for Public Infrastructure Projects: Service and specialized service center communities and activities supporting the revitalization of downtown areas will be given priority during the evaluation and selection process for awarding PI program funds. Lists of the service and specialized service center communities are available from the State Planning Office or OCD.

4. Selection Process: The selection process will consist of two phases: a pre- application phase and a final application/project development phase.

Pre-Application: The pre-application deadline is January 18, 2002. The pre-application will seek, at minimum, the following information:

1. Community, utility district and/or administrative agency information

2. Amount of grant/loan request and summary of proposed use of funds

3. Specific health, safety, and community concerns to be addressed

4. Beneficiary Profile - from survey results or US Census

5. Municipal, utility and/or administrative agency financial information

6. Utility rate structure and affect of project on rates (where applicable)

7. Municipal tax structure and affect of project on rates (where applicable)

8. Specific conditions that warrant the project completion

9. How the project was identified and prioritized
10. Funding sources sought and/or secured for this project

Each pre-application will be reviewed and evaluated in relation to those of similar sized communities in its activity group and placed in rank order from highest to lowest according to the scores determined by the scoring team (with 1 being highest and 3 being lowest in each scoring category). Starting at the top of the scoring list, applicant communities will be grouped in population categories per current Maine Municipal Association information as follows: less than 999; 1000 to 2499; 2500 to 4999; and 5000 and greater. The review team will recommend a list of projects to the CDBG Director to proceed into the final application/development phase. At least one application will be funded from each activity group as long as there are qualified applications submitted in all categories.

D. PUBLIC SERVICE GRANTS

The Public Service Grant (PSG) Program addresses community resource needs by providing funds for operating expenses, equipment and program materials for public service programs.

1. Special Threshold Criteria and Certifications: Public Service Program funds will be distributed through an annual grant application selection process.
(a) Eligible Activities: Eligible activities include operating and program material expenses for child care, health care, job training, recreation programs, education programs, public safety services, fair housing activities, senior citizen services, homeless services, drug abuse counseling and treatment, and energy conservation counseling and testing. Structural changes such as construction, renovation or rehabilitation are not eligible for PSG funding.

(b) Project Benefit: Eligible PSG projects provide benefits to a specific group of persons and not everyone in an area. The clientele of PSG projects are limited to:
(i) persons who are members of the following groups that are currently presumed by HUD to meet benefit requirements. The presumption may be challenged if there is substantial evidence the group served by the project is most likely not comprised of principally low/moderate income persons. Abused Children Battered Spouses Elderly Persons Severely Disabled Adults Homeless Persons Illiterate Adults Migrant Farm Workers Persons living with AIDS

- OR -

(ii) participants in a program designed to limit the PSG funded benefit exclusively to eligible Low and Moderate Income persons.

(c) All communities applying for PSG funds must certify that:
(i) the public service represents a new service to the community; or a quantifiable increase in the level of an existing service;

(ii) a local match equivalent to 20 percent of the total grant award will be provided; and,

(iii) the activity will meet the need or will continue after PSG funding is expended.

2. Special Program Requirements:
(a) Past Performance: In order to be eligible to apply for the 2002 Public Service program, communities that received CDBG grants in or prior to 1998 must have closed their grants prior to application date. Communities that received CDBG grants in 1999 must have conditionally closed their grants prior to application date. Communities that received CDBG grants in 2000 must have obligated 50% of their benefit activity funds prior to application date.

Exceptions: Applicants may request a waiver of this requirement under the following circumstances:

1) program delays have occurred beyond the control of the grantee due to unforeseen changes in availability of funds or acts of nature;

2) the recipient has received unanticipated program income and expenditure of grant funds has been delayed;

3) the job creation goals of a previous grant have not been fulfilled; or

4) special circumstances as determined and approved by the OCD Director.

(b) Maximum Public Service Grant Amount: $50,000

3. Selection Process: The selection process will consist of two phases - an application phase and a project development phase.

Phase I Application: The maximum length of an application is six pages. The application deadline is April 5, 2002.

Each application will be rated in relation to all others. A minimum of 80 points from the Problem Statement, Proposed Solution, Citizen Participation and Commitment sections will be required for an application to be considered for funding.

(a) Problem Statement (40 points):

Scope of Problem: (40 points) - Identification and description of the nature and magnitude of the problems to be addressed with PSG funds and the problems facing service providers as they address the issue.

(b) Proposed Solution (40 points):
(i) Project Description: (10 points) - Description of how PSG funds will be used to solve the problems. Include a project budget.

(ii) Project Feasibility: (10 points) - Identification of tasks, timetables and the parties responsible to implement the proposed solution.

(iii) Capacity: (10 points) - Identification and description of the qualifications and abilities of those who will implement the project.

(iv) Project Continuation: (10 points) - Description of how the program will continue after the PSG has ended or why there will no longer be a need for these services.

(c) Citizen Participation (10 points): Identification and description of the process, including public meetings, hearings and other methods to solicit involvement of residents, local organizations and public officials. Describe how the application reflects citizen concern and beneficiary involvement.

(d) Commitment/Match (10 points): Identification and description of how the community, organizations, and citizens will contribute financial and/or technical resources to the project, the status of those commitments, and a timeframe for the commitments.

E. DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PROGRAM

The Downtown Revitalization Program (DR) will provide funds to enable communities to implement comprehensive, integrated and innovative solutions to the problems facing their downtown districts. These community revitalization projects must be part of a strategy that targets downtown service and business districts and will lead to future public and private investment. Qualified applicant communities must have a downtown district meeting the definition of PL 776 enacted by the 119th legislature.

1. Special Threshold Criteria and Certifications: Downtown Revitalization Program funds will be distributed through an annual grant application selection process.
(a) Eligible activities include all those eligible under the Public Facilities, Public Infrastructure, Public Service, Housing Assistance, Micro Loan or Business Assistance programs as relevant to the revitalization of a downtown district.

(b) Local Match - All communities applying for Downtown Revitalization funds must certify that they will provide a local match equivalent to 20% of the total grant award.

2. Special Program Requirements
(a) Past Performance: In order to be eligible to apply for the 2002 Downtown Revitalization program, communities that received CDBG grants in or prior to 1998 must have closed their grants prior to application date. Communities that received CDBG grants in 1999 must have conditionally closed their grants prior to application date. Communities that received CDBG grants in 2000 must have obligated 50% of their benefit activity funds prior to application date.

Exceptions: Applicants may request a waiver of this requirement under the following circumstances:

1) program delays have occurred beyond the control of the grantee due to unforeseen changes in availability of funds or acts of nature;

2) the recipient has received unanticipated program income and expenditure of grant funds has been delayed;

3) the job creation goals of a previous grant have not been fulfilled; or

4) special circumstances as determined and approved by the OCD Director.

(b) Planning Requirements: Applicants must have completed either a CDBG funded Quality Main Street Planning process or an equivalent downtown revitalization planning process within the past five years. Communities with plans older than 5 years will be permitted to demonstrate that their plans are under active implementation and the action plan remains valid. The proposed DR activities must be cited in the plan as recommended actions for downtown revitalization.

(c) Maximum Award: $400,000

(d) Bonus Points for Service and SpecializedCenter Communities Applicants will receive three bonus points if they have been identified by the State Planning Office as a service or specialized center community.

3. Selection Process - The selection process will consist of two phases: an application phase and a project development phase.

Phase I Application: The maximum application length is ten pages. The application deadline is February 8, 2002.

Each application will be rated in relation to all others. A minimum of 80 points from the Problem, Solution, Commitment and Citizen Participation sections will be required for an application to be considered for funding.

The DECD strongly urges all Downtown Revitalization Grant Program applicants to submit an application for designation under the Maine Street Maine Communities Program offered through the Maine Development Foundation. Documentation of this submission to MDF should be contained in the Commitment/Match section of the DR application as an additional source of program funding.

(a) Problem Statement (40 points):
(i) Scope of Problems (25 points) - Identification and description of the nature and magnitude of the identified problems to be addressed with DR funds.

(ii) Impact on Economic Vitality (15 points) - Describe how the problems negatively impact the economy of the community and persons of low-to-moderate income.

(b) Solution (40 points):
(i) Project Description (15 points) - Describe how funds will be used. Include a project budget.

(ii) Comprehensive Nature of Solution (10 points) - Description of how the activities relate to the community's total downtown revitalization effort.

(iii) Feasibility (15 points) - Identification of tasks, timetables and the responsible parties to implement the proposed solution.

(c) Citizen Participation (10 points) - Identification and description of the process, descriptions of public meetings, hearings and other methods to solicit the involvement of residents, local organizations and public officials, and how the involvement contributed to this application.

(d) Commitment/Match (10 points): Identify and describe how the community, organizations, and citizens will contribute financial and/or technical resources to the project, and the status of those commitments.

(e) National Objective: Applicants must demonstrate that the project meets the National Objective of 1) benefiting low/moderate income persons or 2) preventing or eliminating slum or blighting conditions. Census information, a target area survey or a declaration of slum/blight conditions must be submitted with the application.

F. DOWNTOWN INITIATIVE GRANT PROGRAM SET-ASIDE

The Downtown Initiative Grant Set-Aside Program (DIG) will provide funds to the Town of Lincoln to implement comprehensive, integrated and innovative solutions to the problems facing their economically and physically distressed downtown districts. These districts must be deemed consistant by OCD with the mapped areas identified in the Town's Downtown Action Plan and meet the definition of PL 776 enacted by the 119th legislature.

1. Special Threshold Criteria and Certifications: Downtown Initiative Grant

2. Program funds will be distributed soley to the Town of Lincoln.
(a) Eligible activities include all those eligible under the Public Facilities, Public Infrastructure, Public Service, Housing Assistance, Micro Loan or Business Assistance programs as relevant to the revitalization of a downtown district.

(b) Local Match - A local match equivalent to 20% of the total grant award must be provided.

2. Special Program Requirements
(a) Past Performance: In order to be eligible to receive 2002 Downtown Initiative Grant assistance, the Town of Lincoln must comply with all past performance requirements set forth in Section E (2.) (a) of this Program Statement.

(b) Maximum Award: $400,000

(c) National Objective: The Town of Lincoln must demonstrate that the project meets the National Objective of 1) benefiting low/moderate income persons or 2) preventing or eliminating slum or blighting conditions. Census information, a target area survey or a declaration of slum/blight conditions must be submitted with the application.

3. Selection Process: The Town of Lincoln must complete thetwo phases of the application process listed below:
(a) Phase I Application: Submit a complete Downtown Revitalization program application as required by OCD.

(b) Project Development Phase: Submit all documents required under the CDBG Project Development Phase.

G. URGENT NEED GRANTS

The Urgent Need Grant (UNG) Program provides funding to enable a community to address serious and immediate threats to health and welfare.

1. Special Threshold Criteria and Certifications:
(a) Project Eligibility: Pursuant to Section104(b) 3 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, the applicant must address a community development need which:
(i) poses a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community;

(ii) originated or became a direct threat to public health and safety no more than 18 months prior to the submission of the application;

(iii) is a project the applicant cannot finance on its own. "Cannot finance on its own" means, that the town's tax burden, regulatory structure, utility user fees, bonding capacity, previous or existing budgetary commitments, precludes it from assuming this project's additional financial expenditure; and

(iv) cannot be addressed with other sources of funding.

2. Special Program Requirements:
(a) Necessary Documentation: The emergency situation must require immediate action to alleviate the serious and imminent threat of injury or loss of life resulting from a natural or man-made cause.

(b) Application Submittal: Applicants must submit a complete UNG application that includes all required information and documentation.

(c) Maximum UNG Amount: $100,000

3. Selection Process: The selection process will consist of two phases: an application phase and a project development phase.

Phase I Application: An UNG application must include the following:

(a) documentation that the emergency situation was prompted by natural or man-made causes that pose an imminent threat of injury or loss of life;

(b) certification that the proposal is designed to address an urgent need and an immediate response is required to halt the threat of injury or loss of life;

(c) information regarding when the urgent need condition occurred or developed into a threat to health and safety;

(d) evidence confirming the applicant is unable to finance implementation on its own; and,

(e) documentation that other financial resources are not available to implement the proposal.

Phase II Project Development: Urgent Need Grants will be made on a first-come first-served basis. Prior to consideration of a grant award, all UNG proposals must meet the four Threshold Criteria and the Special Program requirements. Project Development Phase applications must comply with the following:

(a) Project Planning: Details of the project including engineering, cost analysis, feasibility and structural analysis as necessary.

(b) Management Plan: Details of the structure and methods established by the community for program management.

(c) Regulations: Project Development Phase applications will be reviewed for compliance with State and Federal regulations.

4. Approval Process: The UNG funds will be available beginning March 1, 2002. Applications will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis. Following receipt of an application, OCD shall review the application and verify that it contains all the required information. Notification to the applicant of the CDBG Program Director's decision will initiate the Project Development Phase process necessary for contract award.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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