Franklin EDC approves four grants totaling about $108,762 for arts, heritage and business promotion

The Franklin Economic Development Council on May 15 approved four EDC fee grants to local organizations intended to boost downtown activity, support live‑event infrastructure and promote businesses affected by U.S. 31 construction.

The council awarded $25,000 to the Franklin Public Arts Advisory Commission for a large, metal 250th‑anniversary flag installation planned for Veterans Alley; the commission said the piece would be matched by outside grants and would be a near‑permanent attraction. "It made it a place where people gathered and there were a lot of photos taken and shared," said Ken Ksky, president of the Franklin Public Arts Advisory Commission, describing the motivation for the Luggers‑side installation.

The council also approved a $25,000 grant to Franklin Heritage to purchase portable sound and lighting equipment for the Artcraft theater, which the organization said would reduce rental costs and enable more live programming. "We are asking for $25,000 to purchase some upgraded sound and lighting that are specifically geared for these live events," said George Chimples, director of development and film for Franklin Heritage, who told the council prior rental costs ran about $8,000 in the past year.

A $38,262 award to the Franklin Chamber of Commerce Foundation passed with two abstentions from members who serve on the chamber board; staff advised the award should be processed through the chamber foundation (a 501(c)(3)) rather than directly to the chamber (a 501(c)(6)). The chamber outlined a phased "Support 31" campaign to help roughly 150 businesses affected by U.S. 31 construction, combining business outreach, printed materials and social media promotions. "Over 150 businesses are impacted directly by this construction," said Rosie Chambers of the Franklin Chamber, citing Chamber research and partnerships.

The council also approved Discover Downtown Franklin’s $20,000 request to continue a permanent I‑65 billboard plus $3,500 for radio and social media and $1,500 for pedestrian signage aimed at guiding visitors downtown. The presenter said a past event drew about 7,000 people and argued the billboard reaches millions of drivers. "According to INDOT there are 6.4 million vehicles a year that see that," the presenter said, characterizing the billboard’s reach.

Council members asked about contingencies and prior closeout timing. Ksky said a pending T‑Mobile Hometown grant decision is due June 26 and that the public arts project included contingency language; Discover Downtown acknowledged some closeout expenditures posted late but said new spending could be completed quickly.

All four grants will be forwarded to the city council for final approval and will require signed grant agreements before county payment is released.

Votes at a glance: - Public Arts Advisory Commission: $25,000 — approved (voice vote). - Franklin Heritage (Artcraft lighting): $25,000 — approved (voice vote). - Franklin Chamber of Commerce Foundation: $38,262 — approved; two abstentions by members who serve on the chamber board. - Discover Downtown Franklin: $20,000 ($3,500 radio/social, $1,500 signage) — approved (voice vote).

The council directed staff to add contingency language into the grant agreements where appropriate and to confirm tax‑exempt routing for the chamber award before disbursing funds. The grants will go to the city council at its next meeting for final approval.