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Lee County EDA shifts lending strategy; tourism projects and Constitutional Oaks study pushed forward
Summary
The county’s economic development and tourism representatives reported a shift in EDA small-business lending to $10,000 per loan, partnership on Battle of Jonesville marker, and a renewed contract for Constitutional Oaks through Dec. 31, 2026; environmental studies and road access were flagged as next steps for property development.
Economic development staff updated the Lee County Board of Supervisors on May 20 that the Economic Development Authority (EDA) has set a $10,000 cap per loan for the small-business lending account to stretch limited funds and assist more business owners.
The EDA representative said the $10,000 cap follows a blueprint used by the CETA capital grant and that staff will provide letters of support to applicants seeking CETA grants; successful CETA awards often pair with the local support to bring $10,000 to a business.
Tourism updates included a Heart of Appalachia-funded rack card (the first new brochure in 14 years) and a joint tourism/cultural grant for a new Civil War-era “Battle of Jonesville” trail marker near Jonesville Middle School; the CETA is providing half the installation funding with local match by the historical society.
Staff reported continuing efforts to complete environmental due‑diligence studies for the Constitutional Oaks property, noting that such studies are valid for two years and that obtaining them is a precondition to improving access and attracting businesses. County staff described access challenges — a wetland and potential floodplain issues that would likely require a bridge or other structure — and said matching funds and grant sources are being pursued. Staff also said the county renewed a contract with Lee McPherson for Constitutional Oaks property services through Dec. 31, 2026, allowing agricultural access, fertilizer application, hay harvesting and storage arrangements (the barn has been removed).
The EDA and tourism updates also described cooperative projects with Frontier Health and Planning District 1 for workforce and behavioral‑health services and use of new technologies (Helios Health) in clinical documentation at partner agencies.
