ROCK SPRINGS – At their regularly scheduled board meeting on July 14, the Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency (URA) voted to contribute $55,640 to offset costs associated with renovations to the Bunning Freight Depot Building.
The non-profit arm of the Main Street/URA, the Rock Springs Renewal Fund, is making the contribution. The Rock Springs Renewal Fund is a designated 501(c)3 organization, raising funds through various events throughout the year – primarily their annual Kentucky Derby Viewing Party (May) and Sweetwater Blues and Brews (August). Funds are then used to assist with downtown development, façade improvement grants to local businesses, arts projects and matching funds for various grants.
According to board member Drew Varley, helping fund the renovations fits well with the mission of the Main Street/URA. “The organization’s purpose is to raise and spend funds for the development, redevelopment, and revitalization of projects and properties within the area of operation and that’s exactly what this project does,” Varley said.
Director of Public Works for the City of Rock Springs, Vess Walker, said the funds will be used for the exterior of the building, to ensure that the building renovations are historically accurate and maintain the integrity of the brick and concrete façade.
