The City of Columbia has been awarded a $300,000 Downtown Improvement Grant from the State of Tennessee’s Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD). This funding is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing downtown areas across the state, with a focus on improving building facades and outdoor public spaces.
City of Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder said, “We are excited and grateful for the opportunity to improve our downtown area, which serves as the heart of Columbia. This grant will help us continue to make Columbia a place where people want to live, work, and visit, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on our community’s economy and quality of life. I am particularly proud of the improvements coming to East 6th and East 7th Streets, including sidewalk and paving enhancements. With these updates, we’ve essentially created a similar streetscape on the east side of the courthouse to what we’ve seen on the west side, further unifying and revitalizing our downtown area.”
The grant, funded through TNECD’s Rural Economic Opportunity program, will assist in upgrading building facades, wayfinding signage, streetscapes, and gateways. As part of the program, the City of Columbia will be required to match 25% of the awarded funds.
City Manager Tony Massey shared his enthusiasm for the growth this grant will help foster: “This grant is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to enhance the downtown district. The improvements we will make with these funds will not only beautify the area but also support local businesses and attract more visitors to Columbia.”
Assistant City Manager Thad Jablonski highlighted the long-term benefits: “Investing in downtown Columbia is investing in our future. These improvements will have a lasting economic impact, driving job creation and further establishing Columbia as a regional destination.”
This grant represents an important step forward in the city’s vision to continue to revitalize downtown Columbia, enhancing its appeal as a thriving hub for commerce, tourism, and community activity. The City of Columbia looks forward to the continued growth and positive change this investment will bring to the area.
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