Release: Immediate
Contact: Christian
Hamilton, 706.898.5777
Date: 06/19/17
RE:
Rural Business Development Grant Awarded
TOCCOA,
GA, June 19, 2017 – Main Street Toccoa is happy to
officially announce that it has been awarded a Rural Business Development Grant
in the amount of $50,000 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
for infrastructure upgrades at the Historic Ritz Theatre. Funding for this
project will be used to complete balcony upgrades, plaza upgrades, and dressing
room upgrades.
Upon receipt of the grant, Community Development
Director Connie Tabor said, “The City of Toccoa has made it a 2017 goal to
complete infrastructure improvements at the Ritz. This additional seating and
renovation work will continue to promote the Ritz Theatre as the economic
anchor for Downtown Toccoa.”
In 2016, the Ritz Theatre held 123 shows with 19,444
in attendance. This doubles 2015 show numbers and triples 2015 attendance
numbers. Continued renovation work at the Ritz Theatre has contributed to the
quality of life and economic vitality of Historic Downtown Toccoa. Upon
completion of these infrastructure upgrades, patrons of the Ritz Theatre will
be able to use the renovated balcony to view performances. It is expected that
approximately 90 seats will be added to the capacity of the Ritz Theatre, which
is currently able to hold 362 individuals.
For more information regarding the receipt of the
RBDG grant, please contact Christian Hamilton at the Main Street office at 706.898.5777
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