The city of Commerce received notice Monday that it stands to win a $100,000 federal grant to help it obtain land for a new park.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources board announced this week that Commerce is among 14 cities and counties recommended for $1 million in federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grants administered by the DNR.
Final approval would be granted by the Department of the Interior.
That approval, said Commerce recreation director Lonnie Dickerson, is virtually assured.
“My understanding is that once they approve your pre-ap, you’re funded,” Dickerson said. “It’s just a matter of filling out a formal application.”
The application must be in by July 8, said Shirley Willis, city clerk. She reported that the city received notice this week from DNR that “your Land and Water Conservation Grant application scored high enough to qualify for funding.”
The city hopes to buy 39 acres on the south side of town at a location not yet disclosed.
Dickerson said there is no formal plan yet for the park.
“Generally, there were some things laid out in the master plan, but the most important thing was getting the land,” he noted. “Then, we would be able to develop it. This would not appear to be a good time to develop a park.”
Assuming the city gets the property, Dickerson said the general plan is to offer both active and passive recreation on the tract.
