The Altamont City Council approves changes to floodplain management and agrees to assist with downtown business grants.

 

The council held a public hearing at its most recent meeting to hear citizens comments on proposed changes to the floodplain. City Manager LeaAnn Myers says the changes were needed to be in line with the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA’s most recent map updates.

 

The three council members present -- Tyler Julich, Leland Sykes, and Kyle Wiford – all voted in favor of the changes.

 

In other business, Julie Beeman with the Altamont Hometown Economic Leadership Program or HELP Committee addressed the council regarding the City’s Façade Grant Program. The program is a local initiative designed to help commercial property owners improve and revitalize the exterior of their business buildings. Beeman says the program will begin with a total of $15,000 dollars to assist Altamont business owners.

 

The grant program is designed to give local business owners a jump start on making improvements to storefront aesthetics, fix worn or aging exterior elements, and stimulate local economic development in Altamont's business district. The council agreed to provide the group with $5,000 for the project.