JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
The Board of Mayor & Commissioners in South Pittsburg unanimously agreed to apply for a Downtown Improvement Grant (DIG) following last month’s previous discussion.
Commissioner Beth Duggar of the board stated throughout the 10 days prior to the meeting, she and City Administrator Michael Hudson worked together to gather all the necessary information and paperwork ready for the application of the DIG grant through Southeast Tennessee Development District (SETD). The application was to be turned by that Friday, with the hopes of receiving $500,000 in funds needed to fund various planned structural improvement projects throughout the community’s historic downtown. Duggar added anyone who applies for the grant is required to pay back 25% of the funds, while the remaining 75% is returned after each cancelled check and receipt is approved .
Hudson further explained that by applying and receiving the funds, the city can look into re-caulking various sidewalks across downtown to prevent shifts in angling caused by the elements. As the discussion continued, Duggar noted there was an addition to the written request to add a brand new speaker system across Cedar Avenue, where it can be used for both holiday celebrations as well as for emergencies.
“We also put in there to ask for us to be able to put in a speaker system on Cedar Avenue, so that way we can pop in some Christmas music. It can also be used for if there’s an emergency and if people need to leave the streets,” said Duggar.
The idea of applying for the DIG grant was first brought up during last month’s meeting, with the city aiming to make structural improvements across South Pittsburg’s downtown. Several DIG grants have previously been applied for in the past, with Beth and other members of the city council aiming to reapply for a greater amount of funds to help cover all costs for future planned projects. The board is additionally aiming to eventually make the town a Main Street Community, where separate grants for larger scale projects can also be applied for.
Under Resolution 1052, the board unanimously agreed to apply for a DIG grant of $500,000 through SETD, with the hopes that the city receives the funds needed to eventually begin work throughout downtown South Pittsburg.