Construction is moving along for two new stages near the Trails and Heritage Center on Standard St. in downtown Elkin. Town Manager Brent Cornelison said the projects are expected to be completed by early June, just in time for the annual NC Trail Days festival.
Funding for the projects came from state grants that were first announced in 2022 to support economic development projects in rural areas. According to a press release in December of 2022 from Governor Roy Cooper’s office, “a total of $19.76 million will be issued in this second round of grantmaking from the [Rural Transformation Grant] Fund, which helps local governments overcome challenges that limit their economic competitiveness. The funding comes from the American Rescue Plan, signed by President Biden last year. The North Carolina Department of Commerce and its Rural Economic Development Division administers the fund.”
Elkin received $800,000 in the Downtown Revitalization category and those funds have been used to build a larger stage with green room for performers as well as a picnic shelter with restrooms. A second smaller stage is also being constructed. The stages will be used for performances at special events throughout the year such as Juneteenth, Pumpkin Festival, Light Up Night and more, Cornelison said. There will be also be electrical hookups for food trucks.
Jonesville and Pilot Mountain also received grant funding to support economic development projects. In the Rural Community Capacity category, Jonesville and Pilot Mountain were each awarded $49,999. Jonesville will be using the funds to complete a master plan that will guide the communities growth and development and provide guidance to local elected officials when making decision on development and growth issues. Pilot Mountains’ grant will be used to develop a marketing plan and strategy for the town to further attract visitors and tourist from the region into their community.
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