Town survey will determine Bridgewater’s CDBG eligibility

    BRIDGEWATER — A survey being circulated this month will help determine the town’s eligibility for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) — funds of which would be used to improve the community’s public facilities.
  “During September, the town of Bridgewater will conduct a survey of a selection of households to determine its eligibility to apply for a CDBG. If the survey results indicate that at least 51 percent of the town’s households fall within the low- to moderate-income range, the town will apply for a CDBG to assist with the construction of a facility to house the town’s community center and fire department,” said Town Manager Amanda Dow.
    The CDBG program, a national program administered in Maine by the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), is designed to assist the state’s municipalities with community and economic development needs.
    “All CDBG-funded activities must meet one of the national objectives of the program,” said Dow. “The objective that Bridgewater is most likely to achieve is that of providing benefit to low- and moderate-income persons. In order to meet that objective, DECD requires that at least 51 percent of a municipality’s households fall within the low- to moderate-income levels specified in the CDBG standards in order to be eligible to apply for a grant under the program.”
    Grant funds would be used to erect two new facilities to better serve the community, with the final decision on the matter left up to voters.
    “The proceeds of the grant will be used to construct a building to house the community center and fire department, provided that the town’s voters approve the project. Under Maine law, all municipal building construction, demolition or renovations require approval by town voters,” said Dow.
    A majority of the households will be involved in the process.
    “Of the 248 households in Bridgewater, 201 will participate in the survey. The RECD rules require that a larger number of households relative to the total number be surveyed,” said Dow.
    Because the survey methodology is quite complicated, and in order that the surveys remain confidential, Dow said the town has hired Northern Maine Development Commission (NMDC) to conduct the survey on its behalf.
    “NMDC has extensive experience in conducting surveys of this type,” said Dow. “Bridgewater recently received a grant from the Maine Community Foundation to fund the survey. In selecting the households for the survey, NMDC will use random sampling methods to guarantee an unbiased sample and to ensure the anonymity of the participants.”
    NMDC will mail the surveys during the week of Sept. 12.
    “It’s vital that each participant fill out and return the survey as soon as possible,” said Dow, noting that failure to do so will delay the process. “Since DECD requires that 175 of the surveys be returned, additional households may have to be selected to replace those that do not respond, which will delay the completion of the project.”
    Dow emphasized the need for participants to provide complete and accurate information because the town’s eligibility to apply for the CDBG grant depends on it.
    “Participants can be assured all information will remain completely confidential,” said Dow.
    Any questions about the survey should be directed to Dow at 429-9856.