Methuen Receives $430,000 in Federal Grants for Housing, Services

Methuen City Hall.

Methuen City Hall.

(Correction: the amount of the grant has been corrected.)

Methuen is receiving about $430,000 in federal grants for housing rehabilitation, planning for a “slum and blight” inventory and social services.

The city is one of 58 communities sharing in $30.5 million in the Small Cities Community Development Block Grants, according to the Baker administration late last week. Unlike “entitlement” communities, such as Haverhill, which receive grants directly from the federal government, the small cities awards are administered by the state.

“Flexible block grant funding allows our cities and towns to respond to specific local needs,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “These investments will support long-term economic growth and positive changes in transportation infrastructure, housing markets and community spaces.”

Grants are aimed at housing, community, and economic development projects that support low- and moderate-income residents, or revitalize underserved areas. Methuen will use the money to rehabilitate seven housing units and provide assistance to youth services, elder services, adult literacy and child care.

The Community Development Block Grant program began under President Richard Nixon in 1974.