LISBON, Ohio – Seven walkable downtowns throughout Columbiana County stand to benefit from a $250,000 grant awarded to the county port authority from the Governor’s Office of Appalachia.
The Columbiana County Port Authority Board of Directors met Tuesday and approved a resolution accepting the Appalachian Development Program award and agreeing to execute any contracts or documents necessary.
The Downtown Building Renovation & Signage Program implemented by the Columbiana County Port Authority is designed to help strengthen the vibrancy and appearance of county communities, according to Brittany Smith, executive director of the port authority.
Included in the project are Columbiana, East Liverpool, East Palestine, Leetonia, Lisbon, Salem and Wellsville.
In reporting the grant Tuesday, Smith told the board that $200,000 will be dedicated to a Downtown Building Renovation Program, offering forgivable loans of up to $50,000 to downtown building owners for projects that address code improvements and building upgrades.
She said these investments will help property owners improve safety, functionality and long-term usability of their buildings while supporting continued private investment in the downtowns.
Building owners will be required to match the amount of any loans they are awarded, according to Smith.
An additional $20,000 of the grant funding will be available to fund a Downtown Signage Program, providing grants of up to $1,000 with which business storefront signage can be replaced or improved, enhancing the visibility and character of the downtown districts.
The remaining $30,000 in grant funds will support program administration and engineering services necessary to successfully implement the initiative, Smith reported.
“This project represents a first-of-its-kind effort for our county, and we are hopeful it will spur additional investment and create new opportunities for funding that support the revitalization of our downtown communities,” Smith said.
After the meeting, Smith said a committee will be formed to consider all applications for the forgivable loans, whereas the signage grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
She told the board that while timelines are still being finalized, it is hoped additional details can be announced in May regarding the application process for property owners and businesses interested in participating in the program.