By Greg Grisolano
ggrisolano@joplinglobe.com
WEBB CITY, Mo. — Although no official statement has been issued on the future of Missouri’s DREAM program, some city and state officials say they are confident the program will continue under Gov.-elect Jay Nixon.
“We haven’t heard any plans from Governor Nixon’s office,” said Spencer Jackson, a spokesman for the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “It’s been a very successful program, and all the communities that have taken part have enjoyed it.”
The Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance for Missouri program was created by outgoing Gov. Matt Blunt. It combines resources from the state’s economic development, finance board and housing development agencies to assist smaller communities with downtown revitalization. The program is designed to streamline access to state assistance.
Ten communities, including Webb City and Lamar in Southwest Missouri, were selected as DREAM cities in 2008. Neosho and Aurora were chosen in 2006 and 2007, respectively.
A spokesman for Nixon’s office did not return a phone call seeking comment. Nixon’s term starts Jan. 12.
Chuck Surface, Webb City’s economic development director, said he’s optimistic that the program will continue without major changes.
“I’m not too worried about the DREAM initiative being changed at that point,” he said. “It may affect cities coming after us, but I don’t look for it to change the cities that are already in the program.”
Surface said Webb City officials will be meeting next week with representatives of the Missouri Department of Economic Development to sign a three-year contract for assistance in planning the city’s downtown revitalization.
Jackson said he believes the state will see a call to expand the program in the future, so other communities can participate. He said funding for the program for the most part comes from existing resources within state and city budgets.
“I think there will be a call to expand it,” he said. “I think if you look at the return these communities are getting, it’s a win-win for everybody involved.”
Funding
Communities that are designated as DREAM cities are eligible for grants and matching funds to provide planning and other opportunities for economic growth. The state pays for 80 percent of the cost of consultants, while the cities provide a 20 percent match.
Joplin Metro
Officials say DREAM program likely to continue
- Joplin Metro
-
-
Longtime Democrat dies at 81
Sapp, 81, died Thursday. Funeral services were Monday at the First Presbyterian Church of Joplin. A longtime Jasper County Democratic committeewoman and volunteer, Sapp for years was secretary to the county’s central committee.
-
Hundreds gathering for Day of Unity walk
The group is still arriving at Wal-Mart now, and will join hundreds of other walkers at 2:30 p.m. to continue their trek through Joplin.
-
Water company worker killed in construction accident
A Missouri-American Water Company employee died from an injury sustained Wednesday at a work site at 25th Street and Moffet Avenue.
-
Joplin teen pleads guilty to assault on police officer
Allen Russell entered an open plea of guilty on the charge in Jasper County Circuit Court with respect to an attack Dec. 4 on Officer Joshua Hanes of the Joplin Police Department.
-
Public forum on broadband tomorrow
Plans for a regional broadband initiative will be outlined on Friday at a public meeting set for 10 a.m. to noon at the Joplin Public Library.
-
School-bond election an emotional issue for voters
A question of whether to allow the Joplin School District to take out $62 million in bonds for a new high school is bringing out emotions in Joplin voters.
-
Globe wins news-reporting award from ASNE
The Joplin Globe was awarded the Jesse Laventhol Prize for Deadline News Reporting by the American Society of News Editors on Monday in Washington D.C.
-
Joplin man sentenced for role in child's alcohol-poisoning death
The uncle, in whose home an 11-year-old Joplin boy died of alcohol poisoning from a drinking game with the uncle’s girlfriend, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
-
Motivational speaker offers free marriage course
Presented by Mark Gungor, the course is being offered free to the community. The event is being held to aid in tornado relief.
-
District sends faculty, administrators on site visits
With the design phase of several buildings in Joplin Schools ending in May, the district has sent 66 administration, faculty, parents and community members on site visits to 22 schools and two technology company headquarters across the country.
- More Joplin Metro Headlines
-
Police: Seattle Cafe Gunman May Have Shot Self
No Limits for Disabled Hunters at Mich. Base
Victim Identified in Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Radioactive Bluefin Tuna Crossed the Pacific
90 Guns Seized, Dozens Arrested in Oakland
Raw Video: Hail Storm Batters Oklahoma City
6-Year-Old Going to National Spelling Bee
California's Foie Gras Ban About to Begin
Video Essay: Funky Winkerbean Comic Turns 40
Hurricane Andrew Remembered, 20 Years Later
Judge's Ruling Halts Tenn. Mosque Construction
Romney in Las Vegas on Texas Primary Day
Sister Says She Reported Brother in Patz Killing
Even Fla. Police Shocked by Face-Mauling Attack
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
