Sponsored by:
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Maryland Department of Planning
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Maryland Department of the Environment
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Maryland Department of Transportation
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Maryland Department of Natural Resources
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Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
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Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development
The limited nature of public resources makes it increasingly important for
communities to make tough and strategic decisions for a sustainable future.
Comprehensive planning provides an opportunity for community leaders and
citizens to review local conditions and economic trends and to strategically
allocate limited resources over time. Ideally, such resource decisions can help
local communities envision and achieve a sustainable future, a future in which
economic, environmental and social aims are in balance.
The Maryland Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Act of 1992
requires that all municipalities review and update their comprehensive plans
every six years. Additional planning requirements for water resources and
municipal growth were approved during the 2006 session of the Maryland General
Assembly, These two new elements must be in place by October 1, 2009.
The Sustainable Communities Initiative – a collaboration of agencies in the
Governor’s Smart Growth Sub-Cabinet -- will provide access to new resources for
updating local comprehensive plans. For State Fiscal Year 2009, up to $500,000
will be awarded through the Sustainable Communities Initiative. Funds may be
used for revisions to existing plans or for specific elements of plans that are
new or need to be updated.
Because the sources of funds include the Maryland Community Development Block
Grant program, eligible applicants will be those local communities most in
need: those with a low- and moderate- income population of 51% or greater as
determined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD). Revisions to comprehensive plans meet the national objective of benefit
to low and moderate income persons through area activities. Funded applicants
need to adhere to all state and federal regulations and requirements. Unspent
funds will be used in the SFY 2010 competitive community development funding
round.
Up to $150,000 of funds will come from the Appalachian Regional Commission
(ARC), which is administered by MDP. In Maryland, the designated Appalachian
counties eligible to receive funds are Allegany, Garrett and Washington.
Technical assistance is a key benefit of participation in this initiative.
Technical support teams will be available from Maryland Department of Planning
(MDP), the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the
Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), the Maryland
Department of the Environment (MDE), the Maryland Department of Transportation
(MDOT), the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Rural Maryland
Council and other agencies as needed.
There will be a mandatory workshop for funded applicants to review reporting
requirements as well as discuss available technical resources.
What are the Goals of the Sustainable Communities Initiative?
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To assist local communities in meeting increased standards for comprehensive
planning.
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To help local communities achieve a sustainable future, balancing economic,
environmental and social needs.
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To make State resources for planning and technical assistance easier to access
by local communities through a stream-lined application process and coordinated
agency support.
Who is eligible for funding?
For SFY 09, the initiative is making funds available to HUD designated
non-entitlement communities with a low- and moderate-income population of 51%
or greater. Those communities are:
| Accident |
Barton |
Berlin
|
Cambridge
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| Cecilton |
Chestertown |
Church Creek |
Crisfield |
| Deer Park
|
Delmar |
Eldorado |
Elkton |
| Emmitsburg |
Federalsburg |
Friendsville |
Frostburg |
| Fruitland |
Grantsville |
Greensboro
|
Hancock |
| Henderson
|
Hillsboro
|
Hurlock |
Indian Head |
| Kitzmiller |
Leonardtown |
Loch Lynn Heights
|
Lonaconing |
| Luke |
Mountain Lake Park
|
Marydel |
Midland
|
| North East |
Oakland
|
Pocomoke City
|
Port Deposit |
| Princess Anne |
Ridgely |
Rock Hall |
St. Michaels |
| Snow Hill |
Templeville |
Union Bridge
|
Westernport |
| Willards |
|
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What activities are eligible for funding?
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Planning/Consulting Services
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Related Administrative Costs
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Related Printing Costs
Note: These funds can not be used for reimbursement for work that has already
been completed or for work that is under contract.
What is the matching funding requirement?
In the counties other than Allegany, Garrett and Washington, there is no set
amount of match required, HOWEVER, applicants that provide matching support
will rank higher.
For communities in Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties, the ARC funds
require a match. For Allegany and Garrett, the match requirement is 50%. For
Washington County, the match requirement is 70%. The ARC funds can be matched
with CDBG funds in the application, however, local match is encouraged.
Award Criteria:
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Community need for an updated comprehensive plan in terms of an expired or soon
to be expired plan or the need to add new required elements.
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Community need for planning in terms of pressing local and regional issues such as growth concerns, and environmental conservation as well as pressing social issues such as affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization.
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Strength of past practice and future intention to incorporate public
participation into the planning process.
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Strength of past practice and future intention to incorporate Maryland’s “Eight
Visions” for Smart Growth in comprehensive planning (attached).
What is the rating and selection process?
Applications will be reviewed by an inter-agency team. Funding recommendations
will be announced within 30 days of application submission.
The team will use a 100 point rating system to select applications for funding.
Applications will be rated on the following: Need (30 Points); Smart Growth (15
Points); Community Support and Involvement (20 Points); Accuracy of Costs (10
Points); Local Commitment (15 Points) and Leveraging (10 Points). Applicants
can review the rating form on the website or may call to receive a copy.
Application Procedures
The application will be available on both the DHCD
and MDP websites by July 18th. Each
applicant is required to submit one original and five copies. Applications are
due on September 4, 2008 by 5:00 p.m. No emailed or faxed applications will be
accepted.
Applications should be submitted to: Maryland Sustainable Communities
Initiative
DHCD
100 Community Place
Crownsville, MD 21032
Each application must include the following in order to be reviewed:
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Application Summary
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Project Description
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Statements of Assurances
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Local Government Resolution
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Copy of Public Hearing Notice
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Minutes from Public Hearing
In addition, communities eligible for ARC funding, are required to complete the
following and include with their applications:
- Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424)
- Budget Information Form for Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424A)
- Assurances – Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B)
- Memorandum of Understanding for ARC Projects
All applicants must comply with the Maryland Intergovernmental Review and
Coordination Process (COMAR 14.24.04). Simultaneous with the submission of any
application for CDBG funding to DHCD, applicants must submit to the State
Clearinghouse SIX COPIES of a project profile to: State Clearinghouse
Maryland Department of Planning
301 W. Preston Street
Baltimore MD 21201
The profile must include a cover form; a summary briefly explaining the nature,
purpose, scope and justification for the project; a map of the project location
and geographic area to be served; a budget identifying all sources and uses of
funds; and staffing for the project. Comments from this review will be
forwarded to DHCD.
For further information:
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