Quitman board applies for $200,000 Main Street revitalization grant for Blair building project

The Quitman board voted to submit an application for $200,000 from the state Main Street Revitalization Grant program to help pay for tearing down and rebuilding the Blair building in downtown Quitman. Staff said the program can include acquisition costs and that the application is due in August; award decisions depend on next year’s legislative funding.

‘‘I suggest that we continue to move forward with tearing down pretty soon but that we also apply for this grant,’’ a staff member told the board, noting the application is not a reimbursement grant for work already done but can reimburse acquisition costs within 12 months if awarded. The board approved a resolution to request $200,000 and authorized staff to file the application on the town’s behalf.