DO-IT earns grants from PSNH

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Milford – The Milford Downtown Ongoing Improvement Team (DO-IT) has been awarded $5,000 over a three-year period by Public Service of New Hampshire.

The funds will go toward operational support.

“It is great news since our revenues were down significantly this year,” said DO-IT Director Tracy Bardsley, adding that corporate and private donations are down and the town cut DO-IT’s budget in half this year.

Bardsley told selectmen last week that a Plymouth State University study showed that the Pumpkin Festival provided about $1.9 million in revenue to the local economy, benefiting many businesses, including restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores.

Although the Pumpkin Festival was well-attended during the daytime this year, it rained on Friday night. Also expenses are up and people spent less money, said Bardsley.

According to Doris Burke, Community Development Manager for PSNH, the utility company “is pleased to support organizations such as Milford’s Downtown Ongoing Improvement Team, which work diligently to restore and maintain the heart and soul of our cities, towns, and villages.”