Hamilton County approves two EDA grant applications for Franklin Roberts Future Ready Center
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Summary
Commissioners approved two late resolutions authorizing applications for Economic Development Administration disaster supplemental grants — up to $20M (20% match) for the Franklin Roberts Future Ready Center and a second up to $5M (20% match) — citing a technical pivot from a single $50M application to two stage‑2 grants.
The Hamilton County Commission on Feb. 18 approved two late resolutions authorizing the Office of Economic and Community Development to apply for Economic Development Administration (EDA) fiscal‑year disaster supplemental implementation grants for the Franklin Roberts Future Ready Center.
Resolution 226‑31 authorizes an application for capital construction in an amount not to exceed $20,000,000 with a 20% local match; Resolution 226‑32 authorizes a separate EDA application not to exceed $5,000,000 with a 20% match. County staff said the shift is technical: rather than pursuing a single $50,000,000 application, the county is pursuing two smaller, stage‑2 grants that better fit program categories.
"The difference is really technical," staff member Miss LeBouf told commissioners, explaining the two‑grant approach. She said the change does not alter the county’s overall direction for economic resilience work tied to the Future Ready Center.
Commissioners discussed timing, eligibility and whether the prior resolution remains open; staff said the new resolutions are replacements and that they would confirm with county attorneys if any previous paperwork needs formal rescission. Commissioner Graham praised staff for bringing the application prior to submission so the commission could discuss match obligations and community impacts.
The bundled resolutions (226‑31 and 226‑32) passed by roll call. Staff said the EDA grants would require a 20% match should the county advance to award stage; the county did not specify potential sources of the match in the Feb. 18 discussion.
Next steps: staff will proceed with application submission in accordance with the resolutions and notify commissioners of any required follow‑up on local matching funds.