The Shadow
RICHMOND — Olde Town Covington will receive a $7,000 grant as part of Virginia’s COVID-19 economic recovery strategy.
Gov. Ralph Northam announced Tuesday that 18 communities will receive $278,000 in Virginia Main Street grants to accelerate economic revitalization of their downtown districts.
Olde Town Covington will receive a Commercial District Affiliate Grant to downtown historic district way finding signage and beautification.
“Downtown districts are the lifeblood of our communities and our local economies, and they need our support now more than ever,” said Northam.
“Main Street communities across the commonwealth have been greatly impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and these grants will provide critical assistance to help small businesses stay afloat and advance Virginia’s economic recovery.”
Virginia Main Street grants are administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development and help to re-energize development of downtown communities, while utilizing their cultural assets and character.
Funding can go toward implementing innovative strategies, plans and programs, capacity building, or design projects that help stimulate increased private investment. This is further accomplished by pooling the resources of local civic and business leaders who are working to bring their Main Street communities back to life.
“We are very excited to learn of the grant we received from Gov. Northam and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development,”?said Cindy Bryant, president of Olde Town Covington. “This grant will be used for banners and signage in our efforts to beautify and bring people to downtown Covington
“We are in hopes that this, too, will complement the wonderful projects that have taken place and are currently taking place downtown,”?she added.
The Virginia Main Street program is comprised of 26 designated communities and more than 90 Commercial District Affiliates throughout Virginia.
“In the last five years, designated Main Street communities have sparked more than $413 million in private investment across Virginia,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “Encouraging private investment and economic growth is the key to building vibrant communities across the commonwealth during this pandemic and beyond.”
Commercial District Affiliate grants go toward projects in historic commercial neighborhoods located in more than 90 Virginia Main Street affiliate communities. Projects include downtown revitalization, market studies, downtown marketing campaigns, wayfinding signage, streetscape improvements, and town murals.
Several projects will support COVID-19 recovery efforts, including Covington.
Recovery projects include micro-marketing grants, advertising campaigns, promotional videos, support services, education, training, and low-interest loans for small businesses.
