ETNA GREEN - Grant funding will again be sought for the downtown revitalization project.

Town officials announced Tuesday that the Etna Green Lions Club has agreed to back the town's merchants for any amount not met by them. The matching grant requires a local commitment and the town was unable to secure funding in a previous grant application because of an apparent lack of support.

While the merchants support the plan to spruce up the downtown, including new sidewalks and curbs, the shop owners in the small town are unable to foot the entire matching portion.

"The merchants in Etna Green are not the most affluent people," said Dave Gault of Jane & Friends. "We don't make a lot of money."

However, Gault said, he feels that if the downtown project goes through, the residents in town will want to improve the looks along their streets as well.

The application for the $154,000 state grant is due Sept. 20. A public hearing on the matter is set for 7:30 p.m. Monday in the fire station.

In other business, the council:

• Authorized town attorney Jamelyn Freeman to draw up an ordinance for posting a speed limit in the park. Signs designating the area as 10 mph will be erected at each end of Heritage Park. The ordinance is necessary so the speed limit can be enforced.

• Decided to pursue curbside recycling. The council heard a presentation on the matter last month and will look into it.

The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Oct. 8 in the fire station. [[In-content Ad]]