Andrews and Murphy are celebrating significant funding awards that will enhance their communities.
The N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority has awarded Murphy a $250,000 grant for its Town Square Revitalization Project. The project includes:
- Brick paver design installed on all four corners of the town square.
- Improvements for pedestrians, including enhanced accessibility.
- Installation of lighting, a small stage and water lines.
The project is anticipated to leverage an additional $1,031,864 in investment, creating a “vibrant and welcoming town center for residents and visitors,” according to the grant application.
The Rural Infrastructure Authority approved 31 grant requests to local governments totaling $10,982,835, according to a release. These grants are for projects that have committed to creating 565 jobs and will attract more than $211 million in private investment.
Just down the four-lane highway, thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Andrews plans on transforming Ferebee Park back into prime time. The project includes:
- A brand new, fully accessible Paradise Playground with a 100-year warranty and capacity for 70-85 children.
- Fresh layer of mulch, picnic tables and a new picnic shelter.
- Water fountain with bottle filling station.
- Renovated bathrooms, new signage and improved security measures.
The project, expected to be completed this fall, will create a “vibrant space for families, gatherings and outdoor enjoyment,” according to the grant application.
“I would like to thank our grant writer and town employees for working diligently on this,” Mayor James Reid said in the town’s newsletter. “I know Ferebee Park has been a hot topic for the past year and a half, and I’m happy that it’s finally moving forward in a positive direction.”
That grant writer was Sara Tatham, who also wrote the grant for the Town of Murphy. She told the Rotary Club of Murphy on April 22 that she will also be applying for the Town of Andrews to receive an Accessibility for Parks grant at Heritage
Park.
Tatham said this grant would cover 80 percent of the costs of additions and renovations to the park to make it accessible as well as offer more amenities for the disabled, including paved pathways, restrooms, water fountain and bleachers. The total cost of the planned improvements is $344,000.
Andrews has already approved and budgeted for its 20 percent required contribution, Tatham said. The Rotary Club fully supports this initiative and also discussed the possibility of the club applying for a Rotary grant for a handicapped accessible swing, like what the club contained for Murphy Elementary School.
Tatham is the mother of a child with cerebral palsy, making accessibility one of her passions.