MDF’s Maine Downtown Center Awarded $750,000 National Park Service Grant to Support Historic Preservation in Rural Downtowns

HALLOWELL, Maine – September 19, 2019 The Maine Development Foundation’s Maine Downtown Center (MDC) program will administer $750,000 in funding over the next two years for historic preservation or energy efficiency projects in Maine downtowns. MDC’s is the largest of only nine grants announced this month by the National Park Service, Department of Interior, Historic Revitalization Subgrant Program (HRSP).

“We are thrilled to bring this funding to Maine downtowns and look forward to partnering with the Maine Historic Preservation Commission as our lead partner in this program,”says Anne Ball, Program Director for MDC. “The preservation of some key downtown buildings and libraries can serve as a catalyst for economic development. We are eager to award this funding and track the economic activity in these communities.”

The objective of the HRSP is to support the rehabilitation of historic properties in order to rehabilitate, protect, and foster economic development of rural communities. Funding in the form of subgrants will be awarded through a competitive program that will be operated by Maine Development Foundation. Projects can include physical preservation projects for historic sites, architectural/engineering services and technical assistance.

“Historic preservation projects have consistently proven to foster economic growth,” National Park Service Deputy Director P. Daniel Smith said. “Through the support of the National Park Service, rural communities are able to preserve their historic resources, shining a light on their unique local history and bolstering economic development.”

Grant applications and requirements will be made available in December 2019 at www.mdf.org. Grant assistance is provided by the Historic Preservation Fund and the National Park Service.

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CONTACT:
Anne Ball
Program Director, Maine Downtown Center
Maine Development Foundation
aball@mdf.org
207-415-5770

About the Maine Downtown Center
Established in 1999, the Center serves as the state coordinator in Maine for the National Main Street Center, utilizing the Four-Point Approach® to help communities statewide revitalize their historic downtowns. This almost 40 year old approach has a reputation as one of the most powerful economic development tools in the nation for vibrant, healthy downtowns resulting in job creation, business growth, building rehabilitation and cultural enhancement.

About the Maine Development Foundation
MDF is a non-partisan, statewide driver of sustainable economic growth in Maine. We connect people, decision-makers, and communities through trusted research, leadership development, and creative partnerships to stimulate new ideas, solve problems, and improve the lives of all Mainers. To learn more about MDF, visit www.mdf.org.