Mississippi State University’s Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center is announcing the recipients of a community-focused placemaking and revitalization program.
The Small Town Revitalization program, supported by the Small Town Center, received 27 applications and was able to award funds to 11 communities to support projects ranging from master plans to pocket parks to street art to retail hubs and more.
Communities receiving STR grants include: Booneville, Carthage, Columbia, Eupora, Falcon, McComb, Pascagoula, Ripley, Saltillo, Tunica and Water Valley.
The Small Town Center will work with these selected communities to design and implement their proposed projects.
“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to help communities realize their visions in an impactful way through our wholistic approach,” said Small Town Center Director Leah Kemp. “We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our state and are humbled that our longstanding record of service to our communities has been entrusted to carry out this task.”
Funding for the STR grants was made possible by an appropriation from U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee.
“More importance must be placed on policies at all levels of government that support rural communities, many of which face challenges they can’t tackle on their own,” said Sen. Hyde-Smith. “I’m focused on improving rural Mississippi, and these awards will help small towns enhance life for their residents, businesses and visitors. I commend Mississippi State and its Small Town Center for coordinating this effort to uplift rural Mississippi.”
“This funding is a game-changer for the Small Town Center and communities across the state,” added Kemp. “It allows us to make a significant impact toward revitalizing Mississippi communities and catalyzing further growth and improvements.”
The Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center—a research center housed in MSU’s College of Architecture, Art and Design—works to provide meaningful design and planning solutions for small towns. Learn more at www.smalltowncenter.msstate.edu.