RUMFORD — The Board of Selectmen on Thursday will discuss obtaining a Community Development Block Grant to repair downtown water and sewer systems and sidewalks.

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in Rumford Falls Auditorium.

At their Jan. 21 meeting, selectmen unanimously agreed to submit a letter of intent for a CDBG grant.

For Rumford’s share of the cost, Town Manager John Madigan said he intends to use money from the Sidewalk Reserve Fund, the Sewer Extension Reserve Fund and the Permanent Roads Account.

Because it’s a two-year project, Madigan said, “If we’re not able to get it awarded this year, we still have another opportunity next year to tweak it, and have more engineering done at that point.”

A public hearing for the grant application will be scheduled.

Prior to the selectmen meeting, the board will hold an executive session to discuss a poverty tax abatement request.

Other items on the agenda include:

• Approval of bid for a tax-acquired property at 163 Route 108.

• Request for a property tax abatement for 127 Red Hill Road for fiscal years 2013-14 and 2014-15.

• Approval of sewer rates for 2016.

• Discussion and approval to schedule a special town meeting to request funding for a downtown project.

mdaigle@sunmediagroup.net