LISBON – Town officials have learned that Lisbon has been chosen for the Maine Downtown Network, which provides a range of services to help organize and fund a comprehensive downtown makeover.

Lisbon is among five communities with successful applications. The winners were announced at the Maine Downtown Center annual conference June 5 in Rockland.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Lisbon and a great step forward for the downtown revitalization committee,” Town Manager Steve Eldridge said. “The available resources from the Maine Development Foundation’s Maine Downtown Network program will help us to continue the efforts of the committee and move its vision forward to help Lisbon prosper. Congratulations on all the hard work from the Revitalization Committee.”

Town Councilor Gina Mason, who serves on the Revitalization Committee, said the committee “has worked very hard over the last year to compile the information that was so vital in making our first attempt with the Maine Downtown Network a success.”

Town Development Director Rosie Bradley compiled the information for the application. She said the town has also applied for a Community Development Block Grant for downtown planning.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Lisbon to utilize a proven program that has transformed downtowns across the state,” she said. “Statistics showing the number of jobs created, the number of buildings redeveloped or rehabilitated along with the amount of public and private dollars invested in Maine communities is the proof of this program’s success. Now Lisbon has the necessary tools to help transform their community into a thriving downtown and rejuvenate community pride.”

Public informational meetings will be scheduled to inform businesses and residents of the details of the program. Anyone interested in joining the effort may contact Bradley at 353-3000, extension 122, or e-mail rbradley@lisbonme.org.