Photo courtesy Appalachian Regional Commission
Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) has been awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) as a READY Grants to Grow recipient.
READY Grants to Grow supports Appalachian organizations with funding to acquire the tools needed to grow their local economies and prepare for future growth.
ARC announced today that more than $11.6 million was awarded to 47 READY Grants to Grow recipients. In total, the Appalachian Regional Commission is awarding $12.6 million to 80 projects among several Appalachian states. These dollars are dedicated to funding projects that will strengthen local economies across 12 Appalachian states.
MMSA received $100,000 in grant funding to create downtown economic revitalization plans for five designated Main Street communities in Yalobusha, Panola, Winston, Monroe and Clay counties.
“My sincere congratulations to Mississippi Main Street Association on their READY Grants to Grow award,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “This initiative helps communities overcome challenges to growing their local economies. By investing in downtown revitalization, Mississippi Main Street Association is not only helping their towns build financial stability but also forging a path forward for a strong economic future.”
MMSA will engage nationally recognized architect Randy Wilson of Community Design Solutions and urban planner Andy Kalback of Kalback Designs to lead Downtown Roadmap Refreshes for five rural Main Street programs in Appalachian Mississippi.
The designated Main Street communities that will receive Downtown Roadmap Refreshes are Amory, Batesville, Louisville, Water Valley, and West Point.
“We are thrilled to be a recipient of ARC’s READY Grants to Grow program,” said Jeannie Waller Zieren, MMSA Executive Director. “The Roadmap Refreshes implemented will enhance the overall growth of these communities and strengthen their economic vitality.”