Monday, July 26, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Encourages State Agencies to Participate in DREAM Initiative
JEFFERSON CITY– Gov. Matt Blunt is expanding his outreach to engage state agencies in his Downtown Revitalization Economic Assistance for Missouri (DREAM) Initiative. In letters to the Departments of Transportation and Natural Resources directors, he highlighted the benefits of the initiative and asked for the directors’ support.
“The potential inherent in the DREAM Initiative and in Missouri communities is tremendous,” Blunt said. “We have already engaged several state entities. I can only imagine how much more we can accomplish to revitalize Missouri downtowns when MoDOT and DNR get involved.”
The governor’s letters invite the departments to become a part of the initiative by making tools already available through their agencies available to the selected DREAM communities. Six to ten Missouri communities will be selected through an application process and designated DREAM communities. They will remain DREAM communities for three years.
The program is designed to help communities engage in downtown revitalization efforts by breaking down barriers to redevelopment and revitalization. It more efficiently and effectively uses state tools that already exist. DREAM is a comprehensive approach that concentrates resources and available tools to allow revitalization efforts to become reality in a shorter time.
The initiative is a partnership of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the Missouri Development Finance Board and the Missouri Housing Development Commission. Each contributing partner will lend its individual expertise and tools to create a comprehensive and collaborative approach to downtown revitalization. DREAM communities will first work with the Missouri Development Finance Board to develop a comprehensive plan for their downtown revitalization and will then have enhanced access to professional services and programs available through the partner agencies. The available programs can help address a multitude of community needs including infrastructure improvements, historic preservation, affordable housing, community services, business development and job creation.
Applications and guidelines for applying can be found at www.dream.mo.gov. The deadline for communities to apply is August 1.
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