Aurora picked for downtown assistance

SBJ Staff

Posted online September 2, 2007 | 11:00 pm

A southwest Missouri city is among the 10 communities selected to participate in the state’s 2007 Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance initiative, Gov. Matt Blunt announced Aug. 29, during the four-day Governor’s Conference for Economic Development at University Plaza.

Aurora, along with Caruthersville, Chillicothe, Clinton, Kirksville, Maryville, Mexico, Poplar Bluff, Sikeston and Trenton, will have prioritized access for three years to state-supported programs, agencies and funding sources for downtown revitalization efforts. Programs under the DREAM initiative can include technical and financial assistance for infrastructure improvements, historic preservation, affordable housing, community services, business development and job creation.

There were 42 applicants for the initiative this year, compared to 98 last year. The Department of Economic Development, Missouri Development Finance Board and the Missouri Housing Development Commission evaluated each on community capacity, vision, opportunity for private investment, broad community support and a comprehensive approach.

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