The Neosho community has been selected as one of 10 Missouri cites to receive assistance from the state to redevelop the downtown area under Gov. Matt Blunt's Downtown Revitalization Economic Assistance for Missouri (DREAM) Initiative.

As part of DREAM, for the next three years Neosho will have access to several state-incentive programs to improve the downtown infrastructure, preserve historic architecture, provide affordable housing, enhance community services, develop businesses and create jobs.

Today I congratulate these communities as the first to be given this special designation. They represent the potential for all Missouris diverse and historic towns and cities working to revitalize their downtowns and attract new private investment opportunities to the hearts of their communities, Blunt said.

There were 98 applicants for the program, and 10 cities were chosen. The other DREAM cities are: St. Joseph, Excelsior Springs, Sedalia, Cape Girardeau, West Plains, Hannibal, Hermann, Washington and Kennett.

The communities selected will be active members of the DREAM Initiative for three-years. During that time they will have streamlined access to available programs including both technical and financial assistance for infrastructure improvements, historic preservation, affordable housing, community services, business development and job creation. Supported by DREAMs comprehensive approach to concentrate resources and available tools these communities will accomplish their revitalization and redevelopment goals more quickly than ever before.

The 10 communities are at different places in their downtown redevelopment processes, and assistance will be provided to each to best meet their specific needs. Some DREAM communities are just beginning revitalization efforts so the first year will include forming a sustainable non-profit and creating a vision for their downtowns. Others are further along, so assistance might include identifying and prioritizing projects and putting the financing tools in place to complete those projects.

I am excited for Neosho, because the community will be able to efficiently and effectively complete downtown-renewal projects, Sen. Gary Nodler (R-7) said. With direct access to professional services, tax credits and other programs under the DREAM initiative, Neosho will experience a boost in economic growth from more local revenue, more jobs and more available services for residents. I congratulate Neosho for having earned the chance to make visions for a better downtown a reality.

Gov. Blunt announced the DREAM-city designees at the Governors Conference on Economic Development. He also had announced the initiative after a visit to Joplin outlined here.

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