KVCOG’s Community and Economic Development staff provide a broad array of planning and technical assistance support services for municipal officials interested in taking advantage of State and federal financial programs for infrastructure development and other economic development projects. The staff help municipal officials prepare applications for both the federal Economic Development Administration and the Community Development Block Grant program.

Economic Development Administration (EDA)

EDA assists rural and urban areas experiencing high unemployment, low income, or other severe economic distress.

The most common use of EDA dollars is within the following programs:

• Public Works: EDA investments fund local public works infrastructure projects to allow communities to establish and support private sector businesses.
• Planning and Local Technical Assistance: EDA’s local technical assistance and planning grant program helps KVCOG fill the knowledge gaps that inhibit communities from responding to development opportunities or solving specific economic problems. A common purpose of these grants is to determine the feasibility of proposed economic development investments.
• Economic Adjustment Assistance: The EAA program provides a wide range of technical, planning, and public works and infrastructure assistance in regions experiencing adverse economic changes that may occur suddenly or over time. These adverse economic impacts may result from a steep decline in manufacturing employment following a plant closure, changing trade patterns, catastrophic natural disaster, a military base closure, or environmental changes and regulations.

For more information on EDA and their programs visit the EDA Website.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

The staff prepares and updates annually the U.S. EDA Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the region. The CEDS is a blueprint for economic growth and development in the region. The CEDS is the region’s link to U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding for specific economic development projects.

View our Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for years 2022-2027.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

KVCOG is a Technical Assistance Provider for the State of Maine’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The Maine CDBG program is a catalyst for projects that are part of a long-range community strategy.  The program improves deteriorated districts and local economic conditions, provides incentives for further public and private investments, fosters public/private partnerships, and supports the revitalization of downtown districts.

Because it is a Block Grant, the State of Maine may develop its own federally-approved grant programs.

Visit the DECD-CDBG Website for the programs that are currently funded or contact:

Jessie Cyr
Community and Economic Development Specialist
(207) 453-4258, Ext 220