By Taylor Boyd
The Patrick County Economic Development Authority (EDA) discussed a potential facade grant program.
EDA Director Sean Adkins said the grant program can be used by any business in the county’s Enterprise Zones to renovate store fronts. The zones encompass more than 3,000 acres, primarily in Stuart, Meadows of Dan, and Woolwine.
Adkins estimated approved businesses will receive 50 percent of renovations reimbursed, up to $5,000. “It’s really designed to improve the economic vibrancy of the Enterprise Zone, downtown, and uptown areas,” he said.
The EDA hopes the program will begin at the July 1 start of fiscal 2022-23 year. It will operate on a first come first serve basis.
“It’s just designed to facilitate economic development and growth, and just kind of visually improve the commercial aspect of the Enterprise Zone and the county as a whole,” he said.
Adkins said he thinks there should be an initial pilot program of $25,000. He added that there could potentially be more financial support from the Town of Stuart or the Patrick County Board of Supervisors.
Debra Shelor said she would like to see at least 10 grant proposals funded, so there is “enough of a splash that you see things.”
Because of the county’s size, Shelor said there is a potential to break the program down by region so each area is included. “Because we could potentially get 10 facades in just the Town of Stuart, just going right down Main Street,” she said.
In other matters, the EDA board:
*Approved the meeting minutes as written.
*Heard from Thatcher Stanley, field representative for Ninth District U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, about the bill application to fund $600,000 for mobile health units for Patrick County.
*Heard from Del. Wren Williams, R-Stuart, about the House of Delegates session and potential upcoming bills.
*Heard a financial update.
*Approved all the bills.
*Heard an update on the Patrick County Recovery Business Development Center’s request for proposals.
Ron Haley did not attend the meeting.
Del. Wren Williams, R-Stuart, discussed how the House of Delegates session went at the Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting.
