NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Assistant House Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, today announced that $300,000 in state funding has been awarded to Athens for downtown improvements. The funding, administered by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) through the Downtown Improvement Grant program, will be used for façade enhancements and safety and stability improvements […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Assistant House Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, today announced that $300,000 in state funding has been awarded to Athens for downtown improvements.
The funding, administered by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) through the Downtown Improvement Grant program, will be used for façade enhancements and safety and stability improvements in downtown Athens.
“The people, unique businesses, and friendly culture of downtown Athens represent the best of Tennessee and America,” said Cochran. “This significant funding will be instrumental in making the area even more inviting for residents and visitors while strengthening our community’s economy. I’m grateful to the local leaders who helped secure this important grant.”
The Downtown Improvement Grant will be used for façade improvements to up to 15 properties in the downtown district. Funds can benefit masonry and brick restoration, window repair or replacement, awning purchases and installations, exterior lighting, signage, storefront improvements, and accessibility enhancements.
The grant can also be used for roof repairs and sprinkler systems to improve safety and stability.
More than $4.3 million was awarded to 16 communities across the state by TNECD. Local communities must be designated Tennessee Downtowns or Tennessee Main Street communities to be eligible for a downtown improvement grant.
For more information on the grant program, please visit TNECD’s website here.State Rep. Mark Cochran represents District 23 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes McMinn and part of Monroe counties.