Clinton receives $488,723 in development grants.

BOSTON - As part of his Massachusetts Recovery Plan to secure the state's economic future, Governor Deval Patrick announced that 75 communities will receive $40.4 million in federal Community Development Block Grants to fund infrastructure upgrade projects, boost social services and increase housing, business and economic development opportunities throughout the state. More than $31 million will come from annual CDBG program funding, and the remaining $9 million comes to Massachusetts through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Clinton was granted $488,723 for an electrical system replacement at the elderly housing authority property.

"Supporting these projects means an improvement in the quality of life for residents in cities and towns all across the Commonwealth," Patrick said. "By leveraging state and federal recovery funds, we can continue to move our economy forward, put more individuals back to work, and fund more projects now and in the future."

The CDBG program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and funds are distributed by the state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to cities and towns in Massachusetts with populations of less than 50,000.

Funds are awarded competitively and are targeted to support community revitalization, meet the housing and social service needs of low- and moderate-income people and build and repair infrastructure vital to the health and safety of all residents. Eligible communities with populations greater than 50,000 receive funding directly from HUD. The maximum grant for a single community is $750,000 or $900,000 for a single community undertaking multiple, geographically targeted activities. Regional applications are also accepted.

Sixty-five Massachusetts cities and towns will receive regular CDBG program funding from DHCD. With the addition of recovery funds, nine of those communities, and an additional 10 towns, will also receive support for projects that were not successful in getting funded in FY 2008.

"This investment is a lifeline for communities across Massachusetts that have been drowning under busted budgets and the housing crunch. It will help thousands of low- to moderate-income families get back on their feet," said Senator John Kerry. "It means jobs, housing, and infrastructure help where it's needed most."

"I'm particularly pleased that Clinton will be receiving federal stimulus funding under the CDBG program," Congressman James McGovern said. "These funds are an important part of getting our economy moving again."

"Competition for these very popular and flexible grants is great, but because resources are limited, we are sometimes unable to fund every worth while project," said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Tina Brooks. "We are delighted that many good projects, including a number of public housing capital improvement proposals, that weren't accepted in 2008 can now move forward, thanks to the use of these federal recovery funds."