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City of Columbia gives update on Business Funding

From Tiffany Collins

The Columbia City Council allocated a portion of the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding to a grant program to be utilized by local businesses. There were certain stipulations placed upon the funding and the manner(s) in which it was to be used by the community.

This was a result of the ARPA committee allocation of funding for primarily drug and alcohol abuse and appropriate support funding, small business assistance, and the updating of the city park properties. The city has been very frugal with the monies and have around 60% of the funding received remaining.



A three-person board was appointed by the Mayor with approval from the city council to review applications for small businesses. Any small business within the city limits can apply for funding to be used for updating the exterior of their businesses.
The owner/leaser complete the application that indicates name of business, what their project is, and the estimated time line for completion.

There are thirteen businesses that were approved in the first round of funding. Projects include: windows/doors for energy efficiency, painting, awning, and other exterior items. There can be no neon colors used in the building(s) on the square. You are required to complete within six months (or, can request an extension).

The City of Columbia is assisting with supplies. The owner/leaser is responsible for labor and any other costs associated with the project. When project is approved, they must sign they understand and agree to the terms and conditions.

Currently, there are around four projects that are in review; may or may not be approved. There are also eleven other projects submitted and inquiries on three more.

"We appreciate the support of the community," said Mayor Pamela Hoots. "This project is to assist with improving our town, helping our small business owners, and working with the local community."

There have been questions when reimbursements would occur. They will happen when the project is completed. As of this date, no one has received a monetary reimbursement. It is expected that some of the projects will be completed in the next couple of weeks.

At the time of completion of projects, the city will immediately notify the next business(es) in line for approval.


This story was posted on 2022-10-04 21:30:44
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Continued upgrades to Columbian Theater



2022-10-04 - Downtown Columbia, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com.

The Columbian Theater is NOT one of the businesses that have applied for the ARPA fund grant by the City of Columbia yet work continues by the Adair County School Board to restore and reopen the building. The letters were painted last week as work to turn on the historic lights for Downtown Days is completed.

Thirteen businesses have been approved in the first round of funding in the ARPA grant projects. Approved applicants include plans to do: windows/doors for energy efficiency, painting, awning, and other exterior items. There can be no neon colors used in the building(s) on the square. You are required to complete within six months (or, can request an extension).

The Columbia City Council allocated a portion of the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding to a grant program to be utilized by local small businesses. Enthusiasm for the improvements has brought the business community together and jobs have been created for painters and craftspersons.

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