Independence to get state block grant funds

Independence will receive $499,968 in Community Development Block Grants for building facades of downtown businesses.

The money from the state of Iowa will be matched by the city and owners of the six buildings affected, according to a new release from Buchanan County Economic Development.

Those buildings to undergo facade restoration will be S&K Collectibles, Adams Family Furniture, Quilting Quarters, Total Image, Plush and Indee Outdoors.

Independence is under consideration for an additional CDBG CARES facade grant, the agency noted.

“Grants are awarded based upon project impact and readiness, and commitment of local resources to the project” Iowa Economic Development said in the release.

The CDBG program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The money is administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority.