Commission backs $500,000 facade/revitalization grant application with private match

Sean Milne, director of community and economic development for the Bear River Association of Governments, asked the commission to approve the CEO board’s recommendation to submit a Rural Community Opportunity Grant application to the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. Milne said the program allows up to $600,000 per applicant and that the CEO board recommended an application modeled on successful facade programs elsewhere. "This application is suggesting an approach similar to this," Milne said, describing a program that would use a $500,000 award to support exterior building materials, lighting, signage, sidewalk and parking improvements and dumpsters enclosures.

Milne said the grant requires a 40% local match and that the CEO board proposes that the match come from private property owners rather than county general funds. Commissioners discussed eligibility across municipalities and confirmed the program could include projects in Brigham City, Tremont, Garland, Willard and Snowville. After discussion, Commissioner Vincent moved and the commission voted to approve submitting the application for the CEO board as recommended.