Office of Community Development

Sunrise County Economic Council

Maine Community Foundation

USDA Rural Development

Washington Hancock Community Agency

Eastern Maine Development Corporation

Maine Development Foundation

 Community Development Block Grant Success Stories
Just since 2005, Washington County communities have successfully applied for over $10,000,000 in funding through the Community Development Block Grant program. These grants have been use to fix aging sewer systems, create community parks, update Comprehensive Plans, support new businesses and renovate downtown properties.

The examples below highlight some of the way in which Washington County have recently used Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to fund public facilities, downtown revitalization,  economic development and community planning projects that would otherwise have been unaffordable.

If your community has an idea for a project that may benefit from a Community Development Block Grant, please contact Judy East (454-0465) or Jeremy Gabrielson (255-0983).

Jonesboro - Roque Bluffs Fire Sub-station (CDBG Public Facilities Grant: $147,984)

If at first you don't succeed... The towns Jonesboro and Roque Bluffs were awarded a $147,984 CDBG Public Facilities Grant in 2009 to construct a Fire Substation adjacent to the existing Town Office.

This successful effort, though came on the heals of an unsuccessful application in 2007. At that time residents and volunteer fire fighters felt that the location of the existing fire station in Jonesboro left homes in Roque Bluffs vulnerable. Sadly, their concerns proved well-founded when fire claimed local family's home in 2008.

This unfortunate incident, though, strengthened the community's resolve. Working together, the two towns came back together to complete a successful CDBG application in 2009. The new fire sub-station now means improved fire response for Roque Bluffs residents.

Coast of Maine / Washington County (CDBG Economic Development Grant: $60,000)

Coast of Maine is a Maine-based company that has been producing organic compost at a site in Marion Township in eastern Washington County since 1996.

By 2008, the company had grown to the point where they needed to move their bagging operations from an aging tent facility (right) to a modern processing and shipping facility (left). As part of the project financing, Coast of Maine worked with Washington County to obtain a $60,000 CDBG Economic Development Grant. The grant, which matches significant private investment, will help finance Coast of Maine's expansion. Tree new full-time jobs will be created at the Marion site as a condition of the grant.

Machiasport : Liberty Hall Restoration (CDBG Public Facilities Grant: $450,000)

In 2009 and 2007

WCCOG is a source of information and grant preparation assistance for the Community Development Block Grant program. We can also help your community identify sources of matching funds. Various forms related to the CDBG Program as well as applicable deadline information for FY2010 is available below.

Calais : Downtown Streetscapes & Landscaping (CDBG Community Enterprise Grant: $150,000)

In 2007WCCOG is a source of information and grant preparation assistance for the Community Development Block Grant program. We can also help your community identify sources of matching funds. Various forms related to the CDBG Program as well as applicable deadline information for FY2010 is available below.

Cherryfield : Village Pedestrian Plan (CDBG Planning Grant: $6,300 → CDBG Community Enterprise: $150,000)

In 2003, the Town of Cherryfield identified a need for downtown sidewalks as part of their comprehensive plan. Although the community knew that the need was there, there were many questions unanswered: What areas of town should be served by sidewalks? How much will it cost? If we can't build it all at once, what are our priorities?

To answer these questions, Cherryfield applied for and was awarded a CDBG Community Planning Grant for $6,300 in 2007. To help answer their questions, the Town used the CDBG Planning Grant to hire a consultant who worked with a committee to establish priorities, draw up initial design plans and prepare cost estimates.

At the same time, the Town of Cherryfield began setting aside money for eventual construction. With their plans and cash match in hand, the Town of Cherryfield applied for a Community Enterprise Grant in early 2010. Although there is no match requirement for Community Enterprise Grants, 

WCCOG is a source of information and grant preparation assistance for the Community Development Block Grant program. We can also help your community identify sources of matching funds. Various forms related to the CDBG Program as well as applicable deadline information for FY2010 is available below.

WCCOG is a municipal membership organization that delivers a wide range of customized planning, advisory
and resources development services to help communities build the future of Washington County, Maine.

Machias Office
Washington County Council of Gov'ts
PO Box 617, Machias, ME 04654
(207) 255-0983 Fax: (207) 255-4987