Portsmouth EDA approves application for $480,000 state revitalization grant for 1117–1121 High Street

The Portsmouth Economic Development Authority voted unanimously to authorize an application for a $480,000 grant from the Fort House Community Revitalization Fund to renovate 1117–1121 High Street.

EDA staff told the board the Fort House program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, makes annual port-related grants from a $2.4 million pool shared among eligible port communities. Staff recommended requesting $480,000 — described as 50% of the project cost — and said the EDA would commit a local match to meet the program’s requirement.

“We are recommending a grant request of $480,000 which is 50% of the project cost,” said Brian (EDA staff). Staff said the EDA has already incurred architectural, engineering and environmental-survey costs that may count as match and that the program requires a city-council certification before submission.

Under the timeline provided by staff, the EDA would place a resolution on the City Council agenda for Sept. 23, submit the grant application by Oct. 3, and — if awarded — execute a performance agreement and complete work within the program’s schedule (staff said an 18-month provision period applies). Staff also noted restrictive-deed provisions in the grant that limit property use for a five-year period and said projects must be able to contract with the state within six months of an award.

The resolution authorizing the application was read for the record and approved by roll call, 5–0. Staff said the application would be brought to City Council for the required certification prior to the Oct. 3 submission.

Next steps: staff will prepare the written application materials, place the certification request on the Sept. 23 City Council agenda and proceed with the Oct. 3 submission if Council approval is received.