LISBON — The application periods for the new Downtown Building Renovation and Downtown Signage Programs open June 1 through the Columbiana County Port Authority for businesses and building owners in the county’s walkable downtowns.

“We are excited to see this program move forward and look forward to supporting continued investment and revitalization throughout our downtown communities,” CCPA Executive Director Brittany Smith wrote in her director’s report for the CCPA board’s recent meeting.

The programs were first announced back in April when the board voted to accept a $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Office of Appalachia to support the program. The grant is an Ohio Department of Development, Appalachian Development Program Award. At that time, port personnel said the idea was to help building owners improve building usability and businesses improve their signage.

Application materials for both programs are available through the CCPA website at www.ccpa-ohioriver.com

“These programs aim to encourage private investment, reduce storefront vacancies, improve downtown vibrancy and support long-term economic development throughout participating communities,” a news release about the programs said.

The seven walkable downtowns include Salem, East Liverpool, Leetonia, Lisbon, East Palestine, Columbiana and Wellsville. CCPA has been working on the downtowns with Town Center Associates, a company out of Beaver Falls, Pa. which gathers stats about the downtowns, looking at vacancies, building stock, building availability, facades, signage and building conditions, all with a goal of increasing the vibrancy of the downtowns.

For the Downtown Building Renovation Program, eligible applicants may receive up to $50,000 or 50% of the total project costs, whichever is less. Awards will be issued as forgivable loans, with 20% forgiven annually over a five-year period provided the business remains operational or similarly occupied. Funding can be used “for codified building improvements and rehabilitation activities that contribute to the activation and reuse of commercial spaces, ” the release said.

Applications for the Downtown Building Renovation Program must submitted by 4 p.m. Aug. 31, then the applications will be reviewed and awards issued by Oct. 1.

For the Downtown Signage Program, eligible signage projects must comply with applicable local zoning and design requirements. The program provides reimbursement of up to 50% of project costs, not to exceed $1,000, with funding issued directly to approved signage vendors following project approval.

According to the news release, the program will assist “businesses with exterior signage improvements that enhance visibility, vibrancy, and overall downtown character.”

Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funding had been committed.

Smith previously explained that $20,000 of the grant would fund the signage program, with $30,000 for administration and engineering services and the rest for the building renovations.

For details about the programs, visit the CCPA website or make contact at the office on Lincoln Place, Lisbon.