By Debbie Robinson
news@joplinglobe.com
WEBB CITY, Mo. — Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt encouraged Webb City’s efforts to save historic buildings, improve infrastructure and develop its downtown on Friday.
Speaking at King Jack Park, Blunt issued a proclamation to Mayor John Biggs designating the city as one of the newest members of his 2008 Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance for Missouri (DREAM) initiative.
Most economic development tools are accessible to larger cities, Blunt said, but small and mid-size cities can find it difficult to obtain state support because they may lack a city planning department or other resources.
The initiative is a partnership between the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the Missouri Development Finance Board and the Missouri Housing Development Commission to help smaller communities by providing consulting and planning assistance. Grant money also is available for job creation and business development.
“We believe that DREAM works,” said Blunt.
Working with students from Drury University in Springfield, Webb City leaders have drafted a proposal for downtown improvements along a 19th Century theme.
Since unveiling the DREAM initiative in 2006, Blunt said 20 communities have invested $46 million in their historic downtowns. These same downtowns, he said, have received $200 million in private investment.
Lamar also received DREAM designation this year.
Blunt noted the success Neosho has had after being chosen for the program two years ago. Neosho went to work on $390,000 worth of infrastructure projects in the downtown, including new pavement, lighting and streetscaping.
Biggs said the designation will be an asset to revitalizing the downtown.
“I feel we can save some of our historic buildings in the downtown area,” he said.
Chuck Surface, Webb City economic development director, said improving the downtown will draw new businesses, and a renovated 1930s-era gas station will encourage Route 66 travelers to stop in Webb City.
First, though, Surface said, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is going to remove old fuel tanks.
When complete, the renovated gas station will be used as a visitors’ center with public restrooms, Surface said.
“We’ve already had inquiries about two new shops that want to come to the downtown,” he said.
Get your kicks
Webb City officials also are working with the Missouri Department of Transportation for Route 66 signs that can be strategically located along the famous highway, which ran through the town.
