About the Program

The Corridor Revitalization Grant Program is a matching reimbursement grant program that assists owners and tenants of retail, commercial, and multi-family properties located in Borger’s highest traffic corridors with the costs of making landscaping, façade, circulation, signage, and safety improvements to their properties/businesses. The program is intended to increase the economic vitality and aesthetic appearance of these gateways into and around Borger.

Grants are awarded on a matching reimbursement basis; the cost of the enhancement project must be paid in full by the property owner or tenant, but is then reimbursable up to 50% by Borger, Inc.

Grants are awarded by the approval of the Board of Director's of Borger, Inc. A grant request above $50,000 requires the approval of the Borger City Council as well.

Matching grant monies will be disbursed at the completion of improvements and with the acceptance of work by the City of Borger.

  Click here for an application: Corridor Revitalization Grant Program Application

Eligibility:

Property owners or tenants of retail, commercial, and multi-family properties are encouraged to apply for grant funds. The boundary includes all properties adjacent to the Cedar Street Corridor, the W. Wilson Street Corridor (between the Borger city limit line on Highway 136 to the Spur 246/Florida Street intersection), the Main Street Corridor, the Third Street Corridor and the Tenth Street Corridor (from Sterling Street to Spur 245 North of the Borger Shopping Plaza). Please note that single-family residential properties are not eligible. Applicants must be current on property taxes to be approved and receive grant funding. Applicants may be required to complete a credit check. Property must be located inside the Borger City limits to qualify. See pages 2 and 3 of the application for eligible improvements.

Objectives:

1. Improve the community image and perception of Borger Corridors through qualifying improvements focusing both on aesthetics and business vitality;
2. Encourage private investment in commercial businesses;
3. Eliminate blight along significant Borger Corridors;
4. Stimulate redevelopment to increase sales tax revenues and property values; and
5. Stimulate economic and business development by providing safe environments for workers, businesses, and the public.

Encouraged Improvements:

Building Materials/ Façade: The improvement of building materials and façades should allow for materials, colors, and finishes to be compatible with existing improved properties along the corridor. Non-metal materials are encouraged, and an unfinished appearance is discouraged. The requirements for building materials apply to all building elevations visible from the corridors.

How are applications evaluated?

Once a complete application is submitted, the following allocation criteria and the City of Borger ULDO will serve as the basis for reviewing the impact of the proposed site enhancements:

1. Grant Amount requested vs. impact of project (efficiency use of dollars)
2. Increase to ad valorem tax and sales tax
3. Visibility to intersections
4. Visibility from significant corridors
5. Occupancy of vacant buildings
6. Creation of jobs
7. Improvement to dilapidated buildings
8. Increased safety
9. Increased compliance to City of Borger ULDO

How Do I Apply?

Step 2: Submit Application

Submit a complete application to Borger, Inc. as early as possible. Applications may be submitted in person, at the Borger, Inc. office located at 108 E. 6^th Street, Borger, Texas 79007 or by mail to Borger, Inc. Attn: Executive Director, P.O. Box 1157, Borger, TX 79008. A complete application contains one paper copy and one digital copy (as one (1) PDF) of the following:

1. A completed application form.
2. Comprehensive digital photos of current site conditions.
3. Drawings/plans detailing the proposed improvements (PDF format
4. Two (2) itemized cost estimates from two independent sources. (Cost estimates from the property owner or any entity to which the property owner is associated will not be accepted.)
5. Current tax statement showing no delinquent taxes for the property. This can be obtained online at http://hutchinsoncountytax.com/
6. Owner’s deed to the property showing proof of ownership. This can be obtained at the County Courthouse for a small fee.
7. Current W-9.

 *Applications missing any information or documentation will be rejected until complete.*

Step 3: Present Application to the Board for Decision

Once your complete application is received, your project can be placed on the agenda of an upcoming Board meeting. Please check with Borger, Inc. staff on the dates of upcoming Board meetings so that you can  plan accordingly. At the Board meeting, you will have an opportunity to present your project and answer any questions the Board may have about your application or financials. Typically, the Board will decide to approve or deny a project the first time it is presented. Occasionally, the Board may table their decision, meaning they could decide to wait to make a decision until more information is available. If your project is approved, you will be asked to sign an incentive agreement that contains all terms applicable to the grant you are eligible to receive.

Step 4: Complete Your Project and Submit for Reimbursement

Once your project has been approved, it’s time to get to work! You will complete all improvements in your approved project scope. Once your project is complete, you will submit proof of completion to Borger, Inc. (including copies of paid invoices, cancelled checks, photos of completed project, etc.). The reimbursement matching grant can only be paid once your project is complete and the City of Borger has accepted improvements, if applicable.