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Published: Friday, Jan. 04, 2013 / Updated: Thursday, Jan. 03, 2013 05:18 PM

Town gets grant that could lead to funds for Paradise projects

FORT MILL -- 

The town has been selected to receive $25,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds that could be used to enhance the Paradise neighborhood.

The money, distributed by the federal government though the South Carolina Department of Commerce, is a stepping stone to a larger grant, Fort Mill Assistant Town Manager Joe Cronin explained.

“My understanding is you get the planning grant to look at needs in your community and see things you want to do and then re-compete for implementation funds,” that can range from $350,000 to $1 million, Cronin said.

Fort Mill has applied for this grant before but this is the first time it’s been approved. If the town’s final proposal is accepted, money would be used to address needs identified by a panel that includes community residents and town officials. It can be spent on infrastructure such as water/sewer lines, street lighting, parks and other projects.

It’s not guaranteed Fort Mill will get a return on its application.

“It’s a process, but at the end of the day and you get the funds to do improvements you want to do, it’s a win-win,” Cronin said.