YEDC approves grant applications during June meeting

Grant applications were approved at the Yoakum Economic Development Corporation meeting June 17.

A grant application went to Brandon and Courtney Welch for the development of Freebird Salon. This is not to exceed $26,000.

“The request is for assistance with a building they purchased,” YEDC Executive Director Genora Young said. “Improvements to the exterior and interior of the building include removal of the stucco on the exterior and redesign with respect to the past. Downtown revitalization is one of the top priorities for the YEDC and the strategic plan.”

Another grant application went to Double D Ranchwear Inc. for business expansion and enhancement. They will construct a new 1,500 square ft. building. The grant for this is not to exceed $125,000. Both applications will have a public hearing.

Updates on the YEDC’s website were also given at the meeting.

“Raymond Rosas will take photos for the YEDC website,” Young said. “He will reach out to individuals he knows who take aerial photos with drones. Aerial footage of IP2 and the City will provide site selectors evidence of the progress made at IP2 as we go through the construction.”

Other items on the agenda include:

• A joint YEDC and City Council was officially scheduled for Monday, July 14 at 5 p.m.

• Phase four funding for Navy Tang’s new restaurant, Navy’s Place, was released. The new restaurant will offer more Asian cuisine.

• It was reported that YEDC made a check to CSRS for the engineering in Industrial Park II.

• Director of Finance Debbie Gray submitted the financial report. Budget amendments were also made.

• The Health Department asked the YEDC to use their conference room temporarily for vaccinations.

• Grant funding, in the amount of $10,000  was released to the Yoakum Independent School District Student Council for Bulldog Beautification project.

The required documentation included five photos of the finished project, paid invoices, and canceled checks. The project included a new marquee on the campus and sprucing up parts of the school.