CANYON, TEXAS -- Those in favor of the restoration of Tex Randall got some good news last week. According to the Canyon News the Canyon Economic Development Corporation granted $30,000 to Canyon Main Street to supplement the purchase of the property for the site redevelopment and restoration of the Panhandle icon Tex Randall.

The CEDC also granted $115,000 to Robin O'Neal for restoration of the first floor of the old Palace hotel also known as the Smith Building, on 15th Street on the southwest corner of the courthouse square.

The total project cost for the Palace Hotel is about $230,000. Evelyn Ecker, executive director of the CEDC said the corporation will fund up to 50 percent of the cost or $115,000. The project consists of façade improvements and first floor rehabilitation. Once the improvements are done the space will be leased to retail business.

The grant for the restoration of the Tex Randall statue, will be used to improve the property. The first step is clearing the property around Tex. Ecker said the building on the property has been condemned, and she is hoping to have it demolished by the end of September.