Cattaraugus County Creates Community Revitalization Fund
The Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism announced today the creation of a Community Revitalization Fund (CRF) to provide up to $5,000 to support a variety of local community improvement activities. Crystal Abers, Director of the Department stated, "The County is interested in working with communities that recognize and value the importance of improving and preserving their unique rural heritage and aesthetic character, but lack ample or sufficient capacity to act on it."
"The purpose of the Cattaraugus County CRF is to: 1) Assist our rural communities in improving and preserving the unique community character, heritage, and beauty of their community centers; 2) Provide an incentive for communities to initiate new or expand upon existing downtown revitalization or community beatification efforts; 3) Encourage community leaders to select ideas that are appropriate to each community, and to develop an overall coherent "vision" that is tailor-made for their community; 4) Build local capacity through training, sharing information and a plan to sustain the local vision; and 5) Encourage long-term community stewardship." explained Mrs. Abers.
The Cattaraugus County Community Revitalization Fund supports a variety of local community beautification efforts within the following focus areas: Curb Appeal, Signage, and Showcase for Public Art. Mrs. Abers stated, "The fund is limited to incorporated municipalities within Cattaraugus County, provides up to $5,000, and requires 50% of the total project cost with a dollar for dollar cash match." She emphasized that the County wants to see a strong demonstration of local community support of, and participation and involvement in, the proposed activity.
Another aspect of the CRF is the requirement that the applicant views at least one of the videos in the County's library of materials developed by Roger Brooks, Destination Development International (DDI). Mrs. Abers explained, "DDI has worked around the world helping communities become outstanding places to live and visit. We're not just talking about urban areas either. DDI has provided expert advice to rural communities as well. These videos will help our communities create a downtown where visitors and locals want to spend time and money. We will work with applicants to choose what improvements are best for them. We think that beautification of our downtowns is worth the investment."
CRF Application Materials are available at: www.cattco.com/planning/crf. If you have any questions regarding the Community Revitalization Fund, please contact Ginger Malak at 716-938-2312 or email her at ggmalak [at] cattco [dot] com.
