The Department of Development is looking to submit grant applications to Southern Tier West for three projects. P-J photo by Sara Holthouse

The Department of Development is seeking City Council support to apply for Appalachian Regional Commission “Area Development Program” grants made available through Southern Tier West.

At the most recent council work session, applying for these grants was discussed through a resolution. The grants allow for funds up to $150,000 per project application.

Councilman Doug Scotchmer, D-Ward 4 and chair of the council’s Finance Committee, said Kasie Foulk, deputy development director, attended the Finance Committee meeting to talk about these potential grants, adding that there are three specific projects the Development Department would like to do with the funds. If awarded, the city is responsible for 50% matching funds, which would allow for the implementation of a $250,000 project for only $75,000 or less. Matching funds could include in-kind services or additional grant funds, which would reduce the fiscal commitment from the city for awarded funds.

Foulk spoke to the council about the three projects the DOD would like to do if awarded the funds, saying that letters of intent for all projects have been submitted.

“The first one, the city was awarded planning and feasibility studies … for Furniture Mart, Tabone and El Greco,” Foulk said. “That requires a 50% match. So this application would provide that 50%.”

The second project grant funds would be used for, would be to give additional funds to the Chadakoin River Basin project that Foulk said has been ongoing for a long time. The third project the DOD wishes to use these potential funds for would be to help clean up the city’s recently acquired properties along the Riverwalk.

“This would help us clean up and maintain those properties and get them converted to proper useful space,” Foulk said. “So, all letters of intent are being submitted and then if the letters of intent are selected then they can move forward with an application.”