County commissioners offer economic development grants

Lincoln County’s commissioners have announced that they will award a round of grants from the Rural Development Fund this fall. The Rural Development Fund utilizes a portion of sales tax to promote economic development projects within Lincoln County. Projects must be “shovel ready” and must generate new or support existing employment, thus increasing the vitality of the local economy.

Beginning Monday, August 19, grant guidelines and applications will be available to download from the Economic Development Council (EDC) website at http://www.LincolnEDC.org, or calls can be made to the EDC beginning August 19, requesting that a set be mailed.

Applications are due in the EDC office no later than September 30. Further details on project eligibility and application requirements are included in the guidelines. Local governments, Hospital Districts, Fire Districts, Parks & Recreation Districts, Public Development Authorities, Public Utility Districts and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply.

The board members of the Lincoln County Economic Development Council will do the initial evaluation of the applications and will interview the project leaders. They will provide feedback to the county commissioners who will then make the final decisions. Commissioners hope to announce the awards at their regular meeting on October 21.

If you have questions about the grant program that are not answered in the Guiding Principles, you are encouraged to contact the Lincoln County EDC office either by email at edcinfo@centurylink.net or phone at 509-725-1170.