RUMFORD – About 25 people, including nearly a dozen who took applications, turned out for a presentation by an architect on how a federal grant could be used to spruce up their storefronts and in turn, perhaps boost business.

Town Manager Jim Doar, who sent letters to dozens of businesses and contacted others, was pleased with the turnout.

Besides the 10 or so who took applications for the 50/50 offer, Doar said several others who could not make it to the meeting told him they also would like to take part.

By the end of February, he hopes to have a clear idea of just how much of the $120,000 or so remaining from the federal $150,000 facades grant will be spoken for by eligible business people. Only two people in the eligible area of Congress and Waldo streets and adjacent streets have received funds for exterior projects aimed to improve their businesses and help revitalize the town.

It’s been almost two years since the town received the grant. Little interest has been shown, and Doar wants the money put to use.

If it isn’t awarded by the end of June, the town could lose the money. Even worse, successful applications for other federal grants could be jeopardized if the town doesn’t use the money it was given, said Terry Stevens, a representative from the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development.

She, along with Amy Landry, a planner from Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, said they would help applicants wend their way through the sometimes daunting paperwork involved in receiving federal money.

Stevens said she is trying to get the town an extension to the end of the year for awarding the money.

Portland architect Denis Lachman showed representations of downtown revitalization projects his architectural firm has completed., including about six businesses in downtown Norway.

He will be available at no cost to businesses to help building owners in the town’s historic district work out plans for upgrading storefronts in harmony with Maine Historic Preservation guidelines. He will also assist others with their exteriors. The architectural firm will be paid from the grant.

Some of the projects that qualify for a 50 percent grant, up to $25,000, include restoration of original windows and doors and the removal of modernization, cleaning and painting of wood surfaces, repointing bricks and other masonry, signs, awnings and roofing.

Anyone who wants to learn more about the funding available may call the town office at 364-4576.