County Qualifies for Direct Federal Funds through Community Development Block Grant

FREDERICK, Md. - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has designated Frederick County as a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Urban County. The designation entitles the County to receive annual funds to build a stronger, more resilient community. Grant funds can be used for a wide range of needs, such as community centers, housing repairs, and services.

"The CDBG program will help us improve community infrastructure and expand affordable housing options in Frederick County," County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said. "I'm proud and excited that so many of our municipalities are partnering with us, extending our impact across the county."

It is estimated that Frederick County will receive $720,000 in CDBG funds each year for the next three years, as well as $210,000 a year in HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds. The exact amount will be determined in the federal budget approved by Congress.

To reach the population size required to be an entitlement community, Frederick County needed many of the towns and cities within its borders to join in its application. A portion of Frederick County's CDBG funds will be distributed to the eight jurisdictions that signed on. They include the City of Brunswick; the Towns of Emmitsburg, Middletown, Thurmont, Woodsboro and Walkersville; and the Villages of Burkittsville and Rosemont. The City of Frederick has been designated as an entitlement city for many years and already receives a direct annual CDBG grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The County must submit an action plan by May 2025 describing how it intends to use its CDBG funds for FY 2025. The plan will be completed in partnership with the eight participating municipalities.

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CONTACT: Vivian Laxton, Director
Office of Communications & Public Engagement
301-600-6740