State agencies open 2010 DREAM Initiative

Three state agencies are joining forces to launch the 2010 Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance for Missouri, or DREAM, Initiative.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Development Finance Board and Missouri Housing Development Commission announced Tuesday the beginning of the application process, which is open to small and mid-sized Missouri communities that need help with the various downtown revitalization, business development and residential resources available through state government, according to a DED news release.

Applications, which can be obtained through the DREAM Web site, must be returned to the MDFB offices by 5 p.m. Aug. 2. Winning candidates will be announced this fall.

According to the release, DREAM communities have received more than $179 million in public investment for housing, construction, renovation and infrastructure since the program started in 2007. Public funding secured through the program has spurred more than $600 million in private investment.

Neosho was among the inaugural group of DREAM communities, and other southwest Missouri communities have joined the list since then: Aurora, Lamar, Lebanon and Strafford.

"The DREAM Initiative is a key instrument in the DED toolbox to aid in the economic development and downtown revitalization of the communities that have been selected as DREAM communities," DED Director David Kerr said in the release. "I strongly encourage Missouri community leaders to consider submitting an application to this program to revitalize their downtown regions, create jobs and enhance opportunities for their citizens."[[In-content Ad]]