BY EMILY BATTLE

A bluegrass festival, a statewide arts conference, a leadership program and a road extension project all won grant money from Fredericksburg's Economic Development Authority yesterday.

The EDA considered eight applications for grants from the money it takes in through industrial development bond fees.

This program is available to new and existing businesses, events and nonprofits for projects that will spur further development.

The largest grant awarded yesterday was to The Free Lance--Star Publishing Co., which got $20,000 to help it extend Belman Road into a property in the Battlefield Industrial Park where it is building a $50 million printing facility.

The road extension will cost $200,000 and will open up two other parcels that The Free Lance-Star owns for future industrial development.

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Fredericksburg program received a $5,000 grant.

The EDA voted to give $3,000 to the Virginia Association of Local Arts Agencies for a statewide conference on the arts and economic development to beheld May 15 at the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center.

It also approved a $3,000 grant to Mark Newton's Homecoming Pickin' Party, a bluegrass festival that will feature national acts and serve as a fundraiser for James Monroe High School Athletics. The concert will take place Sept. 19 at Maury Stadium.

The EDA declined the Fredericksburg Area Museum's request for $3,000 for its First Fridays program. Board members said they wanted to learn more about all of the First Friday events in town and might consider granting money to the events that have the most impact.

Grant requests from the city to put new doors on the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, and from Art First for interior renovations at its new Caroline Street space, also were turned down.

Frederick's Restaurant had requested $25,000 to expand its dining space, but that request was not considered because the restaurant has closed.

Emily Battle: 540/374-5413
Email: ebattle@freelancestar.com