Cleveland and Etowah to receive Downtown Improvement Grants

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — Governor Bill Lee announced on Thursday that Cleveland and Etowah will be receiving Downtown Improvement Grants.

Governor Lee and Commissioner McWhorter say they are giving out 17 grants overall. Those grants add up to $4 million for Tennessee cities.

Both Cleveland and Etowah will receive $300,000 for improvements to their downtown areas.

Such improvements include new building facades, signage, gateways and streetscapes.

“I congratulate each of the recipients that have been awarded funding through the latest round of Downtown Improvement Grants,” said Governor Lee. “Tennessee’s downtown districts and main streets are the focal point of our communities, and these grants will help attract new business and promote tourism at the local level.”

This Rural Economic Opportunity funding went to organizations that showed their need for improvements. These areas also had to prove they were able to execute such designs.

Officials say each grant recipient must also match 25% of the funding they receive.

“Tennessee would not be known for its exceptional quality of life if it weren’t for the leaders across our state that have chosen to invest in their main streets and downtown districts,” said Commissioner McWhorter. “These 17 communities have a better chance at securing new investment and spurring job creation because of the Downtown Improvement Grants, and we are proud to partner with them in their revitalization efforts.”

To receive these grants, each community had to be a designated Tennessee Downtown or Tennessee Main Street community.