(2) A municipality is eligible to receive a loan if that municipality:

(a) Has adopted a comprehensive plan that is determined by the Executive Department, State Planning Office to be consistent with section 4326, subsections 1 to 4.

(3) A municipality is eligible to receive a grant or a loan if that municipality is a service center community.

Subject to the limitations of this subsection, 2 or more municipalities that each meet the requirements of subparagraph (1) or, (2) or (3) may jointly apply for assistance under this section; and

*Sec. 2-A.__30-A MRSA__5953-D, sub-§3,__E, as enacted by PL 1999, c. 776, §13, is amended to read:

E. In the case of a downtown improvement grant or loan, the Department of Economic and Community Development affirms that the applicant has met the conditions of this paragraph. A municipality is eligible to receive a downtown improvement grant or loan if that municipality has:

(1) Shown broad-based support for downtown revitalization;

(2) Established a comprehensive downtown revitalization work plan, including a definition and a map of the affected area;

(3) Developed measurable goals and objectives;

(4) Demonstrated an historic preservation ethic;

(5) Established an ongoing board of directors, with associated committees;

(6) Provided an adequate operating budget;

(7) Hired a professional downtown manager;

(8) Established an ongoing training program for staff and volunteers;