NORWAY – Frank Hample of the Maine State Planning Office said some inconsistencies between Norway’s comprehensive plan and the state’s guidelines are not the end of the world.

“I can’t recall of any plans being consistent on the first go,” he said. Norway, he added, is doing some excellent work in the area of downtown revitalization.

According to Hample’s colleague Matt Nazar, towns will not be able to enforce zoning ordinances, rate of growth ordinances or impact fees without a state-approved comprehensive plan.

For Norway, the larger issue is eligibility for grant money. Money from Community Development Block Grant programs and similar funds can be restricted when town plans don’t meet state standards, he said.

According to Fergus Lea of the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, Norway is still in good standing to receive funds for housing and downtown revitalization programs. Also, Lea feels a simple letter of explanation and some additional information could bring the plan into state compliance by summer.