The Webster Progress-Times

Mississippi Main Street Association officials conducted an assessment of Webster County's four municipalities on April 22.

The purpose of the tour was to give them ideas of the potential for implementing a countywide Main Street program here.

The Vision to Action Community Development Committee hosted the visit from the MMSA's Beverly Meng, executive director; Bob Wilson, director of program services; and architect Sam Kaye, director of design services. Wilson had given an initial presentation about the Main Street program at a January meeting in Eupora.

The MMSA provides an organized program to help communities re-establish their uniqueness, local heritage and commerce. A private, non-profit program largely funded through the Community Services Division of the Mississippi Development Authority, it is designed to improve all aspects of the downtown or central business district of Mississippi Main Street communities. Communities participating in Main Street commit to a comprehensive, long-term, ongoing revitalization effort.

Last week's walking and bus tour included Eupora's downtown, industrial parks and Whites Creek Lake; Wood College, the available VF Imagewear/Red Kap building and downtown Mathiston; and the villages of Mantee and Walthall.

Local officials accompanying the MMSA staff during the evaluation included Mayors Pete Fortner of Eupora, Belinda Stewart of Walthall and Joey Wright of Mantee; Steve Anderson, executive director of the Webster County Development Council; Sandra Dewberry, the WCDC Board's at-large director; and Dr. Bob Lowdermilk, president of Wood College.

Also joining the group at a luncheon presentation by the MMSA staff at Tomnolen's House of Memories were county Supervisors Lynn Lamb and Stanley Pepper; Eupora Aldermen Dean Jones, Henry Flowers and Martha Ballard; Mantee Aldermen Waynette Clark and Barbara Pumphery; and Mathiston City Clerk Rachel Robinson. Following lunch the Main Street officials conducted interviews with residents.

Meng said she was impressed with the county's natural beauty and that she thought Mississippi Main Street could bring it economic improvement "with a little TLC." The 44 Mississippi Main Street communities have created 1,916 new businesses; 156 business expansions; improved 1,170 buildings and created 15,495 new jobs from 1990 to 2002 at a cost to the state of only $164 per job, according to MMSA.

But she told the CDC that Mississippi Main Street is not accepting new communities because of budget constraints imposed by the Legislature and encouraged local officials to contact state officials and local legislators to lift the budget restraints in order to include Webster County in the program.

Anderson has since mailed out draft letters to "concerned citizens" to send to the governor, lieutenant governor, MDA director, Rep. Charlie Smith and Sen. Glenn Hamilton requesting any help they can give to allow the county to become a part of the MMSA if its acceptance is approved.