Downtown enhancement grants awarded to 16 communities

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development has awarded more than $4.3 million in Downtown Improvement Grants to 16 municipalities in the Tennessee Main Street and Tennessee Downtowns programs. 

The Rural Economic Opportunity funding was awarded to organizations that illustrated the need for improvements and the ability to execute an effective design plan for building facades, wayfinding signage, gateways, and streetscapes. As part of the program, each new grant recipient will be required to match 25% of the funding received. 

South Pittsburgh received a $500,000 grant through the program. Pulaski received a $464,000 grant, Shelbyville a $450,000 grant, and a $400,000 grant was awarded to Elizabethton.  

Athens, Crossville, and Waverly each received $30,000 grants totaling $300,000. A $300,000 grant was also awarded to the Joint Economic Board of Unicoi County, which includes the municipalities of Erwin and Unicoi. Brownsville and Rogersville each received $250,000 grants while Monterey received a $240,000 grant.  

A $150,000 grant was awarded to Jefferson City, while Alexandria, Celina, and Rockwood each received $100,000 grants. Clifton received a $97,500 grant.  

To be eligible for a Downtown Improvement Grant, communities had to submit an application and be a designated Tennessee Downtowns or Tennessee Main Street community. Learn more about the Downtown Improvement Grant Program online.