Clarkesville council to discuss downtown grant projects at Tuesday work session

CLARKESVILLE — Grant updates, downtown redevelopment plans and budget amendments are among the topics the City of Clarkesville City Council is expected to discuss during its work session Tuesday evening.

The meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Clarkesville City Hall and includes several ongoing infrastructure and planning initiatives.

The council will hear updates regarding grants that include information on a proposed $1.6 million Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank grant tied to restoration efforts around the Clarkesville square. City officials are also seeking a $100,000 low-interest loan for the project, which would include added green space downtown. The proposal also includes a $200,000 right-of-way donation from the city along with local funding from LMIG and SPLOST allocations. An update on the application is expected in June.

Council members are also expected to discuss the Federal Transit Administration’s Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development Planning. The grant program would require a 5% local match and could allow the city to apply for up to $1 million based on population size.

Additional grant discussions are expected to include:

• A $20,000 license plate reader grant, with equipment expected to arrive in the coming months.

• A training and simulator grant in which equipment has already been ordered and local churches have been contacted to help identify participants.

• A FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant application due June 22 that could help fund equipment, training systems, protective gear and apparatus.

• A separate Fire Prevention and Safety grant opportunity focused on community outreach, smoke alarm initiatives and firefighter safety programs.

The city will also review the status of its water and infrastructure grant, which is now in the close-out phase following submission of its final quarterly report.

Council members are expected to continue discussions regarding yard debris pickup and right-of-way maintenance. The agenda also includes consideration a resolution regarding 2025 budget amendments.