(February 1, 2024) ROCKDALE, Texas – The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), the City of Rockdale, and the Rockdale Municipal Development District (RMDD) are excited to announce that the City is a recipient of a Downtown Revitalization Program (DRP) grant. The DRP is one of two grant programs for rural communities to make improvements to their downtowns through sidewalk or utility construction.
“We are thrilled to have been awarded a $500,000 grant from the TDA,” reported Rockdale Mayor Brett Boren. “We will use this money to replace some old sidewalks and build new sidewalks to help folks move around and access all parts of our historic downtown.”
“Sidewalks are very important to the health of a downtown commercial district,” explained Rockdale City Manager Barbara Holly. “They help with pedestrian safety – eliminating trip hazards or auto accidents – and they can help make a place look nicer, which encourages customers to shop and spend their time and money. This is a critical investment in our efforts to revitalize Downtown Rockdale and goes nicely with the recent building façade improvements.”
The TDA DRP grant is funded by federal funds which are passed through the State of Texas. The grant requires a local match.
“The RMDD recognized the importance of Downtown’s appearance and functionality as a commercial center,” explained RMDD Board President Nathan Bland. “The RMDD agreed to contribute the match of $75,000.”
The project will reconstruct sidewalks on Bell Avenue and build new sidewalks along Milam Avenue. These new sidewalks will be the first leg of a pedestrian system which will connect Rockdale’s parks to Downtown.
The Texas Department of Transportation also has plans to reconstruct sidewalks along Main Street and Ackerman. “Essentially, by leveraging this money, Downtown Rockdale will have practically a new sidewalk system,” Boren concluded.