Columbia, Tennessee, Receives $300,000 Grant

The City of Columbia, Tennessee, has been awarded a $300,000 Downtown Improvement Grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) to enhance its downtown area. Mayor Chaz Molder expressed gratitude for the opportunity to improve the city, highlighting planned upgrades to East 6th and East 7th Streets, which will unify the streetscape with the west side of the courthouse. The grant, part of TNECD's Rural Economic Opportunity program, requires a 25% match from the city and will support improvements such as building facades, wayfinding signage, and streetscapes. Overall, the initiative aims to boost local businesses and attract visitors, aligning with TNECD's goal of revitalizing downtown districts across Tennessee. In a broader context, Governor Bill Lee announced that over $4.76 million in grants will be distributed to 18 communities in Tennessee for similar improvements, emphasizing the role of downtown areas in driving economic growth and tourism.