Several grants, both for commercial and residential improvements, were recently approved by the Dublin Economic Development Corporation board.
The board met Tuesday, July 28 in the EDC conference room, and it was EDC Executive Director Amy Wright’s first official meeting after being hired.
In the grants, the board unanimously approved a $2,446.84 home improvement grant for 557 N. Grafton for Maria Torres. All of the grants are for façade work and in this case, the home received a fresh coat of paint.
“It looks like a totally different house,” Wright said, in an interview after the meeting.
A $2,760 home improvement grant was also approved for 2 Ridgeway Street for property owner Chase Timmons. The grant was utilized for new windows and paint.
A $3,281 Commercial Property Owner Grant was approved for L.H. Jones at 129 N. Patrick for a shed removed from the back of the property.
A $6,000 Home Improvement Grant for Kent Crouch was approved for a duplex located at 517 N. Patrick and 519 N. Patrick. The funds are to be evenly split between the two addresses and new paint was applied to the entire exterior of the building.
A Commercial Property Owner Grant for Mack Stewart at 202 E. Clinton was tabled until a clarification on labor versus materials.
Grants are awarded with certain criteria and with commercial establishments, the grant is 75% up to $5,000 and residential homes can receive up to 80% reimbursement up to $3,000.
Grants awarded to an address once per calendar year and homes and businesses must have a 911 address.
The board also had a discussion on the shamrock signs welcoming visitors to town. Members discussed the need for fresh paint and maintenance on the signs and the item was tabled until information from Keep Dublin Beautiful could be received.
EDC board members were also given information about a variety of grants through Grant-Works. Both a Main Street Grant and Downtown Revitalization Grant, both from Texas Department of Agriculture would be a good fit for Dublin, Wright said, though this year’s window to apply for the grants has already been closed.
“We hope to repair the sidewalks,” she said.
Wright also discussed the USDA Revolving Loan Program which is a block grant available to Dublin and administered through Stephenville Development Center, Inc. This is good for those who want to start or expand an existing business and who may not be eligible for a traditional loan.
EDC meetings are open to the public and the next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 26.