Applications are open for downtown Grand Junction restaurants that want to expand their outdoor dining spaces.

The City of Grand Junction and Downtown Grand Junction have joined in the effort to enable restaurants to expand outdoor seating areas to nearby sidewalks and even parking spaces.

The city and Downtown Grand Junction have pledged a total of $228,500 to the effort to purchase base units, barrier fencing and canopies that can be installed on a temporary basis downtown to create dining areas.

The Colorado Department of Transportation also awarded a $47,000 Revitalizing Main Street grant to the Downtown Grand Junction Business Improvement District to help restaurants expand their outdoor dining options.

Restaurants are responsible for providing furnishings and maintaining the areas.

Restaurants interesting in expanding their outdoor dining areas must complete and return an application to Downtown Grand Junction.  Applications will be approved on a rolling basis. Barriers and canopies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.