Final approval was received Monday for the façade upgrade program in Morenci’s downtown business district.

Because bids came in a little higher than expected, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority boosted the project cost by $6,622 to $68,063. State funding will cover half of the cost  ($34,032) and business owners will cover the remainder.

Businesses participating in the project are Rural Urban Insurance, Pizza Box, T.J. Decker Insurance, Wes’ Floor Covering and Johnson’s Hardware.

Projects include replacement windows and doors, awnings, brick repair, decorative painting and insulating glass.

If a business is sold within five years of the project completion, a portion of the grant must be repaid to the state agency on a pro-rated basis.

City clerk/administrator Renée Schroeder would like to enroll additional businesses in the program during the next funding cycle.