The Polk County Appearance Commission is pleased to announce the availability of matching grant money of up to $1,000 for public beautification projects. We are hoping to award grants in diverse locations throughout the entire geographic area of Polk County for the benefit of all. The criteria for these projects are as follows:

• Property used by and for the public
• Street appearance
• Public enhancement
• Tasteful landscaping such as trees, shrubs, and flowers
• Structural improvements including exterior renovations to a building that are visible from the street or sidewalks. Signage, awnings, planters, water features and similar elements are also eligible.
• Well maintained properties
• “In kind” work may be used for matching funds as well.

Examples of previous beautification and enhancements that have received matching grants from the appearance commission include: artistic recycle bins on the sidewalks of Saluda; maple tree in the beds in the fountain planter bed of St. Luke’s Plaza in Tryon; landscaping and maintenance in front of the county courthouse in Columbus; and landscaping around the Doughboy statue in Columbus.

The deadline for grant applications is March 15, 2016. Notification of grant awards is April 1, 2016. Monies must be spent and receipts submitted no later than May 31, 2016. Please email davidfriday@msn.com for a pdf file of the grant application form or if you would like one mailed to you.

Worked performed must be in compliance with existing city, county, or state codes, utility safety procedures, taxes, etc. We look forward to your entries and help with our vision for a beautiful Polk County.

Contact the Polk County Appearance Commission at P.O. Box 308, Columbus, NC 28722, call 828-894-2324, visit beautifulfoothills.org, or email me at davidfriday@msn.com.

 

– Submitted by David Friday