Iron Street in the city of Negaunee is shown. The city of Negaunee recently approved $100,000 in American Recovery Act funding to create the new Negaunee Downtown Economic Development grant program. (Journal file photo)

NEGAUNEE — The city of Negaunee recently approved $100,000 in American Recovery Act funding to create the new Negaunee Downtown Economic Development grant program.

The new program is focused on providing funds aimed at economic recovery for businesses and properties that were affected by COVID-19.

The funds will be administered by the Negaunee Downtown Development Authority and eligibility will be based on guidelines set by the Negaunee City Council. The funding will focus on architectural and historic preservation of buildings in the city, as well as increased investment in downtown.

“Funding has been received by the city from the federal government, we see this as an opportunity to make a great impact,” City Manager Nate Heffron said in a press release.

Applications for the grants will be accepted on a “rolling competitive basis” until all of the $100,000 grants have been allocated. To be considered, projects must be above $10,000, with a match of 50%. The maximum grant will be $25,000.

The program, which begins in 2022, is yet another step taken by the city of Negaunee to revitalize the downtown area. Earlier this year the city auctioned three contiguous lots, formerly part of the park system, to Marquette-area developer Snapp Building Company, which will build multiple new residential buildings and single-family homes on the lots.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday announced that Negaunee was one of three Michigan cities that received a historic designation through the National Register of Historic Places. Ishpeming and downstate Wayland were also added.

Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. His email address is rcrouch@miningjournal.net.