The Orleans County Fairgrounds could receive up to $200,000 in federal funding for improvements if the town of Barton successfully applies for a Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Barton Selectboard voted Wednesday morning to authorize Elyse Oliver, a temporary employee of the Economic Recovery Corps, to begin the application process. The grant comes through the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) planning process, which identified Barton as a strong candidate for the USDA program.
The fairgrounds project was one of three priorities selected through RISE. The other two are funding feasibility studies for four development sites and expanding vocational training at Lake Region Union High School. The four sites under consideration for studies are the Tom Wood farm in Orleans Village, Pierce Block in Barton Village, Orleans Industrial Park, and the Barton Motors property.
Oliver presented the program to the selectboard on April 15, 2026, and later held public meetings that drew 230 survey responses from residents and businesses. The town had previously adopted an updated town plan, which Oliver said makes the selectboard responsible for developing a plan.
The RBDG program supports small businesses, nonprofits, and public bodies in rural areas with populations under 50,000. Enterprise grants are for capital projects, while opportunity grants focus on planning and technical assistance.
Originally reported by Newport Daily Express.
Photo: Mike Lewis via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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