Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners approve applications for EDA supplemental grant and Department of Commerce building‑reuse funding
Summary
Ashe County commissioners voted to pursue two external grants: an EDA disaster supplemental grant (with an estimated local match of up to $66,700) for industrial‑park permitting and a Department of Commerce building‑reuse grant (up to $250,000 with a $12,500 local match) tied to 'Project Pandora,' a proposed business expansion expected to create 44 jobs.
At the Aug. 18 meeting, Ashe County commissioners approved two separate resolutions to pursue external funding for economic development projects.
Economic Development Administration (EDA) supplemental grant: Nick (Speaker 9) presented a resolution authorizing the county to apply for EDA disaster supplemental funding to pay permitting and engineering costs associated with spec buildings in the county industrial park. The county will be required to provide a 20% local match for eligible costs; staff estimated the local match at up to $66,700 for the permitting and engineering phase. The board opened a public hearing for the EDA application, heard no public comment, and approved the resolution by voice vote.
Department of Commerce building reuse ("Project Pandora"): Nick also presented a resolution to apply for a Department of Commerce building‑reuse grant tied to a confidential local expansion code‑named Project Pandora. The county is eligible for a $250,000 grant with a required 5% local match ($12,500). Staff said the project would expand production in an existing building and is projected to create 44 new jobs. The board opened and closed the hearing, took a short public question about repurposing buildings, and approved the resolution.
Both actions: The board took each action by motion and voice vote during the meeting; no roll‑call tallies were recorded in the minutes. Approvals authorize staff to proceed with application submission and to provide the necessary local match if the county elects to accept awards.
Next steps: County staff will prepare formal application materials and, if grants are awarded, return to the board with recommended acceptance and any necessary appropriation or contractual actions.
