Granite Shoals lands $250,000 state grant
A $250,000 grant from the state Office of Rural Community Affairs will increase the number of fireplugs, connections and upgrade the water-distribution system, Reilly said.
The mayor added the money will help make a big difference in the city’s services, including areas where many residents face economic hardship.
“This will allow us to upgrade our water-distribution facilities, add some new connections as well as add some fire plugs in our lower-income area,” the mayor said.
The grant won’t just mean new lines, but larger ones to handle current and future needs, Reilly said.
The ORCA grant is providing funds for a project the city might otherwise not be able to fund.
The community affairs agency was created in 2002 to help rural communities in the Lone Star State.
ORCA has awarded 1,232 grants totaling $345 million to help rural communities and counties, officials said.
Federal funding makes up about 90 percent of ORCA’s revenue.
For cities such as Granite Shoals that don’t necessarily have a large amount of sales-tax revenues, the grant comes in handy, Reilly said.
“For us, this grant is crucial,” Reilly said. “Without this type of grant it would be very difficult to upgrade our water facilities.”
The city is also in the planning process for a water and wastewater treatment facility.
“For Phase 1, we’re looking at applying for financing from $12-$14 million,” Reilly said. “One of the first areas we hope to improve is commerce along RR 1431.”
The mayor said providing improved infrastructure helps draw more businesses, which in turn could add more money to the city’s bottom line with increased sales-tax revenues.
“A stronger business base would really help our community,” Reilly said.
Along with the more immediate needs, city leaders are also casting their eyes toward the future. Reilly said Granite Shoals is in the midst of reworking its comprehensive master plan.
“Things are moving forward,” the mayor said. “We’re continuing to make park improvements. We have a lot of good things going on.”
Granite Shoals is also getting into the holiday spirit with the annual Christmas lighting contest, which the City Council approved Tuesday during its regular meeting.
Granite Shoals residents are invited to turn their homes into winter wonderlands with lights and decorations. City Secretary Ronda Reichle has the details for the contest, Reilly said.
For more, call (830) 598-2424.
daniel@thepicayune.com