Washington’s downtown will receive some streetscape improvements, thanks to $94,340 in grant funds.

The money, awarded by the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Rural Economic Development, will be distributed this way: $10,000 to Arts of the Pamlico to provide downtown artwork, $30,000 for the city’ façade-improvement program for downtown and $54,340 for streetscape, park improvements and possible Wi-Fi connections downtown, according to a city document. The City Council and the city’s Historic Preservation Commission would approve all design aspects of such projects.

During its meeting last week, the City Council voted 4-1 to adopt the funding recommendations from a group that discussed how to spend the money. Before the council meeting, City Manager Bobby Roberson met with group representatives — Arts of the Pamlico, Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce, Washington Tourism Development Authority — and city staff to develop a plan on how to spend the funds.

The group’s discussion focused on several proposals, including the following:

• introduction of “art” into the central business district;

• additional funding for the façade program;

• introducing a water fountain (not a drinking fountain) into downtown;

• explore Wi-Fi capabilities downtown;

• improve existing planters along streets;

• improve entrance to Stewart Parkway, specifically Underground Railroad Museum and Civic Center area facing West Main Street, the area west of Sloan Insurance and the Crab Park area next to the former Havens Mill property.

Councilman Doug Mercer, who voted against the funding plan, suggested some of the grant funding be used to “take at the curve” at the intersection of West Main and Gladden streets, saying such a change would improve traffic flow in that area. Mayor Mac Hodges recommended using part of the money to extend sidewalks at the Civic Center and Underground Railroad Museum that “end in dirt.” Council member Virginia Finnerty suggested some of the money be used to improve the “shabby” waterfront promenade.

The city has until Thursday to submit a document outlining proposed projects. By Oct. 1, the Commerce Department will issue contracts to the municipal governments selected to receive the grant funding. Upon receipt of a signed contract, the department will issue a check for the full amount of the grant awarded. By March 31, 2017, grant recipients must submit a report on how the grant funding was spent and the outcome of the projects.