Governor McAuliffe recently announced $65,000 in Virginia Main Street program grant funding for five projects in the towns of Bedford and Blackstone, and the cities of Fredericksburg, Franklin and Winchester. The Downtown Investment Grants, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), are for design and economic vitality projects targeting areas of specific need in historic downtown neighborhoods located in Virginia Main Street communities. Grants are available to designated Main Street organizations to accelerate the economic revitalization of their downtown districts by helping implement innovative strategies, plans and programs that create an environment for increased private investment. This year, funded projects include a revolving loan pool program, facade grants, murals, banners, and brand implementation.

See more at: http://governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/newsarticle?articleId=18113

In addition, four financial feasibility study grants were awarded to the towns of Culpeper, South Boston and Wytheville, as well as the city of Staunton. These grants will allow the Main Street organizations in those communities to work with owners of significant “white elephant” buildings within their Main Street districts. The purpose is to identify the highest and best use of such properties and to develop sufficient information to allow the owner or Main Street organization to “shop” the rehabilitation and reuse of the property to private developers and investors.

Virginia Main Street grants are available to designated Virginia Main Street communities, and the next round of Virginia Main Street grant applications will be due next spring. Click here for more information about Virginia Main Street grant opportunities.