Roanoke Rapids has been chosen to receive a $200,000 Golden Leaf/Main Street grant, City Manager Paul Sabiston announced.

The grant will not only benefit the city, but towns in the county as well as the Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance. “It will help spruce up our downtown and all downtowns.”

The money will be split using a population percentage, Sabiston explained after tonight’s meeting and will be used for street scape improvements in downtown areas.

Sabiston said while the improvements will not be seen immediately, he estimates they will in the next 18 to 24 months.

In a report to city council, Sabiston noted, “We have yet to receive full details of the award but should receive the written confirmation and grant conditions any day.

“This award will allow all of the municipalities to work together to improve their downtown districts and, hopefully, attract new businesses and jobs to the municipalities of Halifax County.”

In another matter tonight, Sabiston told council revenues are 83.1 percent of budgeted revenues, meaning total revenues exceed expenditures by $2.23 million.