Martin County authorizes LGED applications for master plan, full‑time grant writer and downtown land acquisition

On Feb. 15, 2024 the Martin County Physical Court unanimously approved resolutions to apply for Local Government Economic Development (LGED) funds to create a countywide master plan, hire a full‑time grant writer, and pursue a $50,000 LGED grant for downtown land acquisition.

Judge said the county needs a coordinated strategic plan and a grant‑writing position to compete for state and federal funding, and that the economic development board agreed to help fund both the grant writer and the strategic plan. "I think that our county needs to have a master plan," Judge said, adding the plan would let county leaders "present ... here are our needs" to legislators and agencies.

An economic development board representative told the court the board administers $50,000 that could be used for downtown land acquisition, identifying two parcels the board would like to buy (a small church and a bank) and renovate as part of a revitalization effort. The board said the acquisitions would not use local tax dollars and are intended to spur development in downtown neighborhoods.

The court voted to authorize and adopt resolutions to apply for LGED funding for the strategic plan, the dedicated grant writer, and acquisition of downtown property. Members said the economic development board’s commitment reduces the court’s fiscal exposure; details about exact match amounts and contract terms were not specified in the meeting record.

Next steps: staff will prepare the grant applications and follow the LGED application process; the court indicated it expects to return with contract and funding details for approval if the grants are awarded.