June 16, 3:30 a.m.

Covering coastal Douglas County:

The City of Reedsport Main Street Program has received a $400,000 grant from Oregon Heritage, a division of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Oregon Heritage has awarded 35 matching grants worth over $10.6 million to Oregon Main Street Network organizations across the state for building projects that will strengthen local economies. Projects range from façade improvement to basic facilities and housing with awards ranging from $17,900 to $400,000.

Reedsport’s Main Street received grants for 8 project sites. This includes three locations in Rainbow Plaza where work will include roof repair, doors, canopy, stucco, concrete repair, electrical repair and updates. Façade and awning work will take place at a property on Greenwood Avenue. One building on North 4th Street will get a new sign, while a second building will receive an awning, second floor expansion and flooring. Electrical repair will take place at a property on Fir Avenue while plumbing and electrical work and a heat pump is planned for a building on East Railroad Avenue.

The department funded Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant applications that best conveyed the ability to stimulate private investment and local economic development, fit within the community’s long-range plan for downtown vitality, and community need.

The grant program was created during the 2015 legislative session and placed with the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. The legislation established a permanent fund for the Oregon Main Street Grant, with an initial infusion of funds from the from the sale of lottery bonds. The program also requires that at least 50 percent of the funds go to rural communities as defined in the bill.

To learn more about the Reedsport Main Street Program, go to: www.reedsportmainstreet.com