Sec. 05.13.02.04. Eligible Uses of Funds

A. Grant funds may be used to pay for costs associated with projects which support the development or revitalization of business districts, including:

(1) Gateway, directional, or highway signage associated with a business district;

(2) Acquisition, development, or improvement of property associated with projects which will assist the development or revitalization of a business district;

(3) Facade improvement programs;

(4) Public improvements to business districts, such as:

(a) Sidewalk repair and replacement;

(b) Thoroughfare and public lighting;

(c) Street furniture;

(d) Landscaping;

(e) Trash cans; and

(f) Banners;

(5) Engineering and architectural design studies for:

(a) Key properties;

(b) Parking; and

(c) Market and business recruitment strategies which will improve a business district;

(6) Demolition of vacant and abandoned buildings;

(7) Promotional materials, such as:

(a) Advertising campaigns;

(b) Brochures;

(c) Banners; and

(d) Shopping bags;

(8) Other projects that have been identified in the applicant's work plans as key to its Main Street efforts; and

(9) Operating assistance for Main Street Maryland managing organizations.

B. Grant funds may be used to pay for costs associated with projects that support the development or revitalization of residential areas in Maple Street communities, including:

(1) Operating assistance for Maple Street managing organizations;

(2) Developing and implementing a mixed-income strategy for acquisition and rehabilitation of residential properties;

(3) Developing and implementing strategies for improving the physical appearance of the neighborhood;

(4) Attracting development to reuse vacant or underutilized properties for mixed-use and mixed-income purposes;

(5) Increasing community safety;

(6) Improving streetscapes;

(7) Increasing the number of parks and open spaces;

(8) Improving existing parks and open spaces;

(9) Improving public infrastructure that serves Maple Street communities; and

(10) Other projects that have been identified in the applicant's work plans as key to its Maple Street community efforts.

C. A project shall be located within a priority funding area identified under State Finance and Procurement Article, §5-7B-02, Annotated Code of Maryland.