Monday, April 18, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, (573)751-0290
Blunt Announces State Grant to Assist Kennett in Downtown Revitalization Efforts
KENNETT - Gov. Matt Blunt announced today a state grant that will assist the city of Kennett in the economic revival of its downtown area including construction of a new swimming pool made possible by donations from singer-songwriter and Kennett native Sheryl Crow.
During a speech to the Kennett Chamber of Commerce, Blunt announced the approval of a $400,000 downtown revitalization grant through the Community Development Block Grant program, which is administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Resources for the program are derived from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
"The Kennett downtown revitalization project is a great example of what Missouri communities can accomplish through strong public/private partnerships," Blunt said. "By making possible the appropriate infrastructure improvements, we help our cities and towns better compete for new businesses and family-supporting jobs."
The city proposes to make several improvements to downtown buildings and facades, sidewalks, lighting, and parking lots. Underground utilities will also be upgraded. These improvements will complement the new Sheryl Crow Aquatic Center, currently under construction.
The Bootheel Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission prepared the grant application on behalf of the city and the Kennett Community Development Corporation. Funding for the project will also be supplemented by local, private and not-for-profit funds.
CDBG funds are provided through federal sources and administered by the state of Missouri. Funds will be released to Kennett as certain requirements set forth by the program are met. The Community Development Block Grant program provides economic development grants and loan funds to cities with a population under 50,000 and counties under 200,000 to help Missouri communities address public health and safety concerns.