Many municipalities lack the expertise and resources to effectively seek grants for which they may be qualified. This gap in expertise and resources creates a disparity in the opportunity to pursue economic development and community enhancement opportunities between those municipalities obtaining State funds and those who may have a greater need. The availability of professional grant writers increases the opportunities for a municipality to obtain grant funding.
 
To address this disparity, our legislation will create a Municipal Grant Assistance Program within the Department of Community and Economic Development. The program will provide municipalities with grant writing training and allow for professional grant writers to connect with municipalities to provide their services. The program would also provide funding to assist municipalities with the cost of professional grant writing contracts.

Please join us in co-sponsoring this legislation to give our municipalities the resources they need to access grant funding and improve our communities. Your consideration is greatly appreciated.