LIVERMORE FALLS – A Portland firm has been chosen to do the engineering and architectural work for a $150,000 business enterprise grant the town was awarded this spring.

The Community Development Advisory Committee recommended to selectmen that Lachman Architects & Planners of Portland do the work because the firm had the most experience with historical preservation and community development block grants, Town Manager Martin Puckett said.

Selectmen accepted the recommendation, he said.

Bunker & Savage Architects of Augusta had also applied for the work.

The committee will work with Denis Lachman, who will work with business owners to develop criteria for the grant projects and to follow historical preservation guidelines, Puckett said.

He will also help with the selection of the projects that fit the criteria.

Business owners may apply for up to $25,000 in a grant and match it dollar for dollar to help improve their facades. The grant can be used for windows, doors, brickwork, awnings, signs, lights and similar work. It cannot be used for interior work, Puckett has said.

He said 18 businesses showed interest when the project was first discussed. He has received a few applications for grant funds and would like to see more businesses apply.