The Barton County Commission Tuesday morning continued offering Facade Improvement Grant program. Approved were:

• Dry Lake Brewing LLC., 1305 Main St. in Great Bend. The project cost is $25,972.96 and the amount requested is $19,479.72 for a 25% match.

This was for a new facade above the outdoor patio, sign and lighting.

• Hoisington Community Development Company Inc. (the Mule Barn), 157 S. Main St. in Hoisington. The project cost is $23,070 and the amount requested is $17,302.50 for a 25% match.

This is for paint and windows.

The goal of the program is to provide financial assistance to businesses and property owners for downtown building front improvements to increase economic prosperity, accessibility, and quality of life in Claflin, Ellinwood, Great Bend and Hoisington, county officials said. The county has determined communities’ retail centers are areas of “priority funding,” and maps of these defined downtown districts.

Through Dec. 31, grants will be provided in the amount of up to 75% of eligible project costs, with a maximum award of $20,000. Funding is available until program funds are depleted with the intent of the program to have projects in multiple communities.

The plan was approved by the commission Aug. 9 at $300,000 with the first grants being approved Sept. 7. On Sept. 21, another $300,000 was added, for a total of $600,000. 

Of the $600,000 the county set aside for the program, grant requests have totaled $463,198, leaving $136,801. The money approved covers projects costing a total of $966,631.

However, officials said pending applications may use up most of the balance.