Toccoa set to apply for development grant to renovate downtown passageway

The City of Toccoa approved a plan to apply for another Georgia Tourism Product Development Grant.

During their regular scheduled meeting Monday, City Manager Billy Morse told the Board of Commissioners the grant, if received, would go to renovate an area downtown.

“The Georgia Department of Economic Development has tourism grant funds available at this time, we believe that this funding could best be used renovating the downtown passageway and bathrooms,” Morse said. “We can request up to $10,000 if we’re willing to match those funds.”

Morse said the passageway revitalization would include concrete floor staining, new signage, bistro-style lighting and bathroom upgrades.

The total amount of the grant is $10-thousand dollars, which Morse says would be matched by the City.

Toccoa Main Street Manager Christian Hamilton says renovating the downtown passageway was, in his opinion, the best use of the grant monies.

Morse noted the passageway gets a lot of use by people coming downtown, not only for shopping and going to restaurants, but also, for events such as the Ida Cox Music Series.

Toccoa Mayor Gail Fry mirrored Morse’s remarks.

“With the increase traffic downtown, especially with Ida Cox and all the events we have now, I think this is a worthwhile project for us,” Fry said.

Commissioner Terry Carter made a motion to move forward with applying for the grant, and Commissioner Jeanette Jamieson seconded the motion.

The motion passed unanimously.