Jessica Lovay, Office Manager/Grant Administrator
Elk Rapids Façade Project-Brick Restoration on the Starboard Inn
Acronyms and Economic Development are like peanut butter and jelly—they go hand in hand. So CDBG, what does that even stand for? The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a federal grant program utilizing funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Each year, Michigan receives approximately $30 million in federal CDBG funds, out of which various projects are funded through the state.
Grant funding is designed to assist local units of government that have plans in place to promote and strengthen the infrastructure and environment in their downtowns. These grants are designed to help create vibrant communities and enhance sense of place through blight elimination, job creation, and by benefiting areas of low- to moderate-income individuals.
The Village of Elk Rapids is currently at the tail end of their two year CDBG project. The $426,680 project is a 50/50 grant funds to private investment with four participating buildings. The $213,340 in grant funds is assisting in renovating the historic properties to remove instances of blight such as, repairing brick and replacing siding, and installing new exterior doors and windows. These activities are being matched with $213,340 in private funding to complete activities including new awnings, interior renovations, and new roofs.
If your community is interested in what CDBG can do for them, call the NLEA at 231-582-6482 or email info@northernlakes.net.
