A bill, signed into law on Friday by Col. Gov. Jared Polis, will provide an additional $30 million in funding to revitalize main streets across that state.
The governor’s office said the funding will help communities improve their roadways and community infrastructure while supporting strong economic activity and public safety.
“Today was an important step forward for Colorado communities. Our main streets and the small businesses that line them are at the very heart of who we are here in Colorado,” said Governor Jared Polis. “They are where we come together to celebrate and share life’s joys. This last year, we know many Colorado businesses faced incredible challenges, and our main streets looked emptier than normal. This bill provides essential resources to help communities make improvements like expanding outdoor seating, adding new lighting, or making sidewalks more accessible.”
The bill allocates $30 million in state stimulus funds to the Colorado Department of Transportation to expand its Revitalizing Main Streets program for safety-focused grants across the state. Small grants of up to $150,000, and large grants of up to $2 million, can be used by communities for multimodal and economic resiliency projects or safety improvements.
“Colorado’s Main streets are the heart of our communities,” said bill sponsor Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada.“With these new funds, we will see our timeless town centers uplifted and restored – preserving their economic and cultural vibrancy for generations to come.”
Small grants will be awarded on a rolling basis. Communities have until mid-May to apply for large grants. Applicants are encouraged to attend the Revitalizing Main Streets Pre-Application Workshop on April 6, 2021, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to learn more about the grant opportunities.
“Colorado’s main streets have benefited enormously from the Revitalizing Main Streets and Safer Main Streets programs, and I’m proud we were able to give them a boost today,” said Transportation and Local Government Chair Tony Exum (D-Colorado Springs). “As we work to build back a stronger Colorado, it’s important to invest directly in local and rural economies while ensuring small businesses can continue to grow.”