Gate City, VA — The Town of Gate City is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $44,000 in grant funding through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund, administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, to support development of the Farmers Market at the Community Park on Water Street.
The grant is matched with $44,000 in local funds, bringing the total Farmers Market investment to $88,000.
Phase I of the Community Park on Water Street is being funded through the Town’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation and represents an investment of approximately $700,000. The first phase of the project is now nearing completion.
Phase I includes four pickleball courts, a basketball court, electric vehicle charging stations supported through grant funding, and underground infrastructure designed to accommodate future amenities, including a stage, public restrooms, and a splash pad. The acrylic surface coating for the pickleball and basketball courts will be installed once weather conditions are suitable.
The Farmers Market will have a 100-foot by 30-foot footprint with an open market canopy, providing a permanent, accessible space for local farmers, vendors, and community events.
“This project reflects careful planning and responsible financial management,” said Town Manager Greg Jones. “By combining federal ARPA funds with state grant support, the Town has delivered a high-quality community asset while minimizing the burden on local taxpayers.”
Jamie Lawson, Mayor of Gate City, noted that the project reflects the priorities of local residents.
“When I ran for office, this project was consistently identified as a priority by the residents who live and pay taxes in Gate City,” Mayor Lawson said. “This park is a direct response to what our citizens asked us to deliver.”
The Town of Gate City extends its appreciation to the Scott County Board of Supervisors, the Scott County Economic Development Authority, Virginia State Delegate Terry Kilgore, Mann Farms, and Horse-n-Bear Ranch for their continued support in securing funding for the farmer’s market.
In addition to the Community Park, the Town has secured approximately $6.69 million in grant funding for sidewalk improvements, and water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades, along with the recently completed Phases I and II of the Park Street Housing Project, which represented a $540,549 investment from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.
Through these combined efforts, the Town continues to strengthen its recreational amenities, housing options, utility systems, and transportation infrastructure, supporting long-term economic development and quality of life for our residents.