The Meadville Tribune
By Jean Shanley
Thursday, May 22, 2014
CONNEAUT LAKE — Progress for revitalization of downtown Conneaut Lake is continuing, according to Bill Eldridge of the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee.
Eldridge, who also is a member of Conneaut Lake Borough Council, told council members at a recent meeting that the committee was notified it is one of the finalists for a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA). Finalists now have been asked to provide more information about their proposed projects for final consideration for the grant.
Eldridge said he expects to hear shortly about the final decision in regard to the grant. In the meantime, survey work will wrap up by the end of the month on work done to survey needs in the downtown area.
Funds also are expected to be received soon from $400,000 grant for Fireman’s Beach. The first portion of the grant will be used to do final engineering work on the project design.
Eldridge also said there are other grants the committee hopes to receive, including one from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
A website, newconneautlake.com, has been activated and banners will be hung in the downtown area with the website address for anyone wishing to receive general information about the redevelopment project. The website will be updated at least biweekly, Eldridge said.
Dick Holabaugh, borough council president, praised Eldridge for his time and effort on the development program.
“Everyone needs to know how much time Bill spends on this (working on grant applications and more), “ Holabaugh said. Holabaugh added that Eldridge is very diligent about doing the work.
