Cameron Business District Façade Grant Program Announced
Grant Overview
Support the growth of existing businesses; increase interest in re-use of existing buildings; and, to help recruit new businesses and services in Cameron, the Cameron Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) will provide financial incentives to make exterior improvements to buildings in the Business District through the Façade Grant Program.
The Façade Grant Program will provide awards for exterior improvements to buildings within the Business district of the city. Eligible improvements include store signage, lighting, awnings, windows, building fronts, entries, planters, and other expenditures as defined by the Façade Grant Committee (FGC).
Grants are a 60 / 40 match. The applicant is responsible for the first 40% of all project costs. The Grant will fund 60% of project costs up to a maximum of $5,000. Grant amounts will depend upon funding availability. The Façade Grant Program will issue the grant funds on a project to the contractor or vendor after completion and inspection of the project.
Program Criteria
All Façade Grant projects shall be for properties within the City of Cameron’s Business zone as defined and depicted in the City Zoning Map. The basis for awards shall be first come, first served with priority given to those projects that have a significant visual and economic impact or that show dedication to preservation of the historic integrity of the building.
Applicants must be current members of the Cameron Chamber of Commerce.
Grants may not be used for the refinance of existing loans, working capital, or for purchase of inventory or interior projects.
Grants will be a maximum of $5,000.00 per property ID as defined by the Milam Appraisal District, based on fund availability.
Applicants must secure their portion of the project cost before the start of the improvements and submit documentation in writing to the Cameron Economic Development Corporation.
The grant does not need to be paid back.
Approved projects shall be underway within 60 days of contract execution and shall be complete within (4) months of the contract date but no later than September 15th. An extension may be granted in the event of force majeure.
All projects shall be done by contractors who meet all licensing requirements and shall comply with all applicable building codes of the City of Cameron. Out of town contractors will only be considered if the grant applied for cannot be completed by local contractors. Project owners and/or contractors shall acquire all necessary permits.
Application Procedure
Meet with the FGC to view the proposed project and discuss preliminary plans. Permits for any permanent signage must be secured from the city.
Submit the following print documents and information to the FGC for its review:
Complete plans and specifications. FGC reserves the right to require plans and specification to be prepared by an architect for structural improvements.
Cost estimate.
Complete application and consent form by property owner and tenant (if applicable).
Proof of insurance.
Proof of ownership.
Current photographs of building’s exterior.
Property taxes must be current with no history of delinquency.
Application Process
Applicant meets with and presents a completed grant application to the FGC.
Should the design be rejected, the committee may suggest changes or improvements. If the applicant complies with the changes, the committee will reconsider the grant for funding.
Approval of the application is at the sole discretion of the FGC.
There is no guarantee of approval.
Disbursement of Funds
To receive reimbursement for eligible project costs as defined by the grant award:
Notify the FGC upon completion of the project.
Submit request for reimbursement with documentation of eligible costs paid by the applicant with final invoice(s) from vendor.
Submit photograph(s) of completed project.
FGC and City Building Code Officer will inspect work.
Cameron Business District Façade Grant Program Application
Please return completed with all necessary attachments to Cameron EDC, PO Box 432, Cameron, TX 76520
Applicant Name: _____________________________________________ Date: ____________________
Building Owner Name: ______________________________________________________________________
Business Name: ____________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________________
Contact Phone: _______________________ Email: ________________________________________
Building Owner (if different from Applicant): ____________________________________________________
Building Address: __________________________________________________________________________
Description of the work (attach detailed work descriptions, plans and photos).
Does the building have historical significance? Yes No
Total Cost of Proposed Project (Do Not Include Tax): ________________________________________
Amount paid by owner/tenant: _______________________________
I certify that I am the owner of the above property, have read and will comply with the Façade Grant Program requirements, guidelines and procedures and understand that I will not be reimbursed for the work on this property until the project is completed.
Building Owner Signature Date ______________
Building Owner Mailing Address________________________________________________________
Applicant Signature (if not building owner) _________________________Date _______________
FOR FGC USE:
Application Received Date: __________ FGC Review Date: ___________
FGC Project Suggestions or Comments: _________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Project Approved by: _______________________ Date Approved: ____________________
City Manager Retail Tourism Director
Economic Development ______________________
Grant Payment Date: ____________ Grant Payment Amount: ______________