Commissioner Richardson discusses the Downtown Revitalization Grant awarded to the town of Richmond.

Community Development Block Grant funding is a key component to the Department of Economic and Community Development's efforts to support Maine towns and assist them in competing in the global economy and attracting new businesses.

I think it's great what Richmond is doing to encourage economic growth. Like many towns in Maine, Richmond it has its own unique historic downtown district and town officials realized that by maintaining that element of the town, they could support new business development and create an increasingly vital community. The Downtown Revitalization Grant that was awarded today is a large part of Richmond's targeted development plan.

It was their plan that won the town this highly competitive grant and I congratulate everyone who was involved in making the application a success.

Our towns and villages are an important part of Maine's character, and by supporting their development we will create a climate perfect for economic growth.