LISBON, Ohio – In a continuing effort to revitalize downtown areas, the Columbiana County Port Authority is applying for grant funding to assist vacant building owners improve their properties.
Brittany Smith, assistant executive director, addressed the port authority board of directors at its monthly meeting Monday about plans to apply for a $250,000 Appalachian Regional Commission/Governor’s Office of Appalachia grant that would be used to create a Downtown Building Renovation and Signage Pilot Program.
This would enable the owners of vacant buildings to submit applications to complete codified improvements to their buildings, and business owners to apply for assistance with building signage upgrades, according to Smith.
“This initiative seeks to address the critical need for revitalizing vacant and deteriorating storefronts in our downtown communities,” Smith told the board. “By targeting codified improvements and signage, this pilot program aims to restore economic vitality, attract private investment, allow for brick-and-mortar businesses and create jobs.”
Smith said they are still in the early stages of the program since the first step of the process is a pre-application to the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association.
“If selected for a full application, we intend to work with financial partners, workforce partners and engineering partners to ensure this pilot program is a success,” Smith said.
The pre-application is due in early April. Smith said the port authority hopes to hear by early fall if it’s selected for a full application. If selected for funding, marketing the program will begin, with additional information supplied to interested building and business owners throughout the county, Smith said.
“The team has worked really hard implementing this. This is essential for us to grow as a county,” said Penny Traina, port authority CEO/executive director.
The board voted unanimously, authorizing Smith to apply for and execute all documents necessary for the grant.
The board also approved the renewal of a $1 million CD with Consumers National Bank for a six-month term at 3.75 percent interest, which Traina said will be looked at in another six months.