Vicksburg included as part of $10M grant for Mississippi Main Street

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — On April 7, Gov. Tate Reeves approved House Bills 1716 and 1649, which authorize and fund the Mississippi Main Street Revitalization Grant Program for this year. The governor also approved House Bill 1854, which provides approximately $10 million for 26 downtown revitalization projects previously approved by the Mississippi Legislature and the Mississippi Development Authority.

Locally the funds will go toward the creation of the Blues Highway Travel Center in Vicksburg. The grant is approved for $408,000 for the center.

MMSA Board of Directors President Dr. Kelle Barfield said, “This grant program is another powerful example of what Mississippians can achieve when state leaders partner with local officials and the business community. Across our state, we will see the fruits of the Main Street revitalization grant program catalyze economic growth through creative, high-energy downtown development.”

Dr. Barfield also serves as the Warren County Board of Supervisors President and owner of Lorelie Books in downtown Vicksburg.

Vicksburg Main Street Director Kim Hopkins said the news is good for Vicksburg in a social media post.

“Big news for downtown Vicksburg! Three years ago we applied for this grant, and after some legislative hold-ups, it’s finally coming! Took a little while, but we made it and couldn’t be more excited,” said Hopkins.

“Economic development and quality of life go hand in hand,” said Bill Cork, MDA executive director. “With the passage of these bills, Mississippi continues its commitment to strengthening downtown areas across the state–a key component of attracting new businesses and creating vibrant communities where their employees want to live. Strong downtowns help drive economic development while improving quality of life, and these three bills will support both.”

“The Mississippi Main Street Association serves our small businesses in Mississippi which are the heart of our local communities throughout the state,” said Rep. Trey Lamar, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. “The revitalization of our downtown historic districts is vital to their continued success, and I am honored to represent their interests at the Capitol. I am pleased with the results we obtained this year and want to thank everyone who worked hard toward this achievement.”

The downtown revitalization projects include projects that restore historic properties, enhance visitor experiences, expand parks, recreation and gathering spaces, and improve public safety infrastructure in 26 communities:

Amory, Biloxi, Booneville, Cleveland, Columbus, Crystal Springs, Fondren, Greenville, Greenwood, Hattiesburg, Hernando, Laurel, McComb, Meridian, Moss Point, Natchez, Nettleton, New Albany, Pascagoula, Ripley, Saltillo, Senatobia, Starkville, Vicksburg, Water Valley, and Woodville.

MDA will administer grant agreements and distribute funding this year for the 26 approved projects. Future grant funds will be available on a competitive basis for eligible projects of up to $500,000 per community through MDA in consultation with the Mississippi Main Street Association.

Eligible applicants include Mississippi Main Street designated, network or associate members as well as local government entities and business improvement districts.

Communities with populations above 10,000 must provide a 20% local match. Communities with populations of less than 10,000 must provide a 10% local match on the first $100,000 and a 20% match on amounts exceeding $100,000.

“Main Street is Mississippi’s leader in downtown revitalization, and we are grateful for the recognition of our efforts and the confidence of the Mississippi Legislature, Mississippi Development Authority and the governor’s office in supporting this grant program,” said Jeannie Zieren, executive director of the Mississippi Main Street Association. “Main Street organizations have the strategic vision and capacity to implement grant dollars in a meaningful way that will benefit the entire community.”

To view the projects, click here.