State selects 2009 DREAM cities

Missouri's latest round of DREAM Initiative cities is without a southwest Missouri representative.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development today announced that five Missouri communities have been selected to participate in the 2009 DREAM program, which stands for Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance for Missouri.

Participating in the initiative - now in its fourth year aiding downtown redevelopment - are the towns of Brookfield, California, New Haven, Rolla and Savannah. Rolla is the closest to Springfield, about 110 miles northeast along Interstate 44.

Area towns that applied but were not selected are Ash Grove, Cassville and Monett, said DED spokesman John Fougere. There were 16 applicants this year, according to the DED news release.

Aurora, Lebanon, Neosho, Strafford, Webb City and West Plains are among the 30 previously named DREAM communities. Together, participating towns have received more than $168 million in state financial assistance to rebuild, revitalize and rejuvenate their downtowns, according to DED.

The initiative provides small and midsize towns the same access to economic development tools as larger communities. Selected communities participate for three years and gain prioritized access to state-organized programs, including items such as technical and financial assistance for infrastructure improvements, historic preservation, affordable housing, community services, business development and job creation.

Applications were evaluated by representatives from the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the Missouri Development Finance Board and the Missouri Housing Development Commission. The evaluation process considers opportunity for private investment, broad community support and a comprehensive approach, the release said.

The DED will still provide each applicant with technical assistance; exclusive invitations to a series of revitalization training opportunities and seminars; and the chance to learn about existing redevelopment programs, how they work and how to best access available tools.