Borger to apply for $1 million CDBG downtown revitalization grant under Main Street set-aside

The Borger City Council voted to authorize submission of a community application for the Texas Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Downtown Revitalization Program.

Bradley said the community application is the first stage in a process that can lead to an invitation to submit a full project application. The program awards grants up to $1,000,000; because Borger is a Main Street city, staff said the city will compete in a Main Street set-aside that limits competition to non-entitlement Main Street communities.

Staff noted scoring criteria include median household income and a poverty index and said the city believes it has a competitive chance. Bradley said a typical scope would include streetscape improvements and pedestrian lighting, and that the downtown Main Street designation will require coordination with the Texas Historical Commission if the project proceeds.

The resolution authorizes submission of the community application; council approved the motion. If invited to apply, staff said the city would procure an engineer, conduct public engagement and develop a detailed project scope over the following year.

Bradley said the minimum match is 3% and the maximum 5% (a $50,000 maximum match on a $1,000,000 award) and that the resolution is structured to commit the maximum match to maximize scoring.