Buda EDC awards downtown improvement grants

According to the grant application, funds are now given to projects that "support new and expanded business development."

During the 2012–13 fiscal year, the EDC awarded $60,000 in grant funds for projects in the city's downtown. Miller said the exterior cleaning of the 1898 Store was the most noticeable project last year, and in the past funds have been used for repainting and bringing buildings into compliance with safety and health codes.

The program provides matching funds of up to $5,000 for exterior improvements and $5,000 for interior improvements, meaning the most any business can receive from the program is $10,000.

The city is also beginning work on a Downtown Master Plan that will shape the downtown district's land use, transportation and economic development.

"I think the downtown plan is coming out at a time where we really need it as Buda continues to grow, to address certain issues downtown and come up with a plan," Miller said. "I think the economic strategic this grant program and the downtown strategic plan are all going to work together."

Since the program began in 2003, businesses and property owners have received more than $187,000, which have been matched by $43,000 of private funds.

Business and property owners can submit grant applications to the Economic Development Office until June 23.