BRASELTON - The Georgia Department of Community Affairs has awarded the Braselton a $500,000 grant to assist with its renovations of the historic Braselton Brothers Store.
The announcement was made recently by Shane Short of the Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce at the annual meeting of the Braselton Downtown Development Authority.
The grant is under the Community Development Block Grant program from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the state's Department of Community Affairs. The program provides financial resources to smaller and rural communities to support projects that will create jobs and assist low- and moderate-income citizens to support economic development and enhance local quality of life. The grant co-applicants are the Town of Braselton and its Urban Redevelopment Agency.
City officials announced the funds will be applied to the comprehensive redevelopment efforts downtown focusing on the renovations of the Braselton Brothers store complex. The project will address electrical upgrades, fire and safety measures, public access, parking and exterior enhancements. Under the terms of the grant, the Town will add $150,000 in local funds to complete the project.
Town manager Jennifer Dees said, "We envision the makeover to be an economic boost to the community retaining sixteen full-time jobs and creating 29 additional ones. It is a central part of the downtown master plan which the Council adopted several years ago, and it is essential to the scope of the plan."
Confirmation of the grant supplements a list announced by Governor Nathan Deal in August.
DCA Commissioner Mike Beatty said, "We are pleased that these funds will be combined with private investments and local funds to implement critical community and economic development projects. Each year, CDBG investments demonstrate how the state and local partners working together with the private sector can create a climate of success in local communities for families and businesses."
Saturday
June 29th, 2024
7:09AM
