By KEN CARPENTER
Great Bend Post
The Barton County Commission decided on Tuesday to conclude its facade improvement grant program after spending more than $600,000 to help local businesses improve the exteriors of their buildings. 42 buildings in designated districts in Great Bend, Hoisington, Ellinwood and Claflin have been awarded funding.
The businesses were eligible to receive up to 75% of eligible project costs, with a maximum award of $20,000. A total of $630,00 has been appropriated for the program since it was initiated last summer.
Commission Chairman Jim Daily talked about the work that has been created for the building industry in the area.
"I have to say this has been an outstanding response getting our contractors busy and working, in fact to the point to where they’re behind already, though there is a 12-month period that they have to get this work done,” Daily commented. “That 12 months is going to be busy for them.”
Grants were awarded for improvements to 26 buildings in Great Bend, seven in Hoisington, three in Ellinwood and six in Claflin.