Downtown Frankfort is in the running to receive a major overhaul thanks to the 2013 Indiana Stellar CommunitiesProgram.
The city is one of six finalists in the state-funded program that offers millions of dollars in grants for cities to put towards economic development.
On Monday, Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann announced the finalist. Twenty-four rural communities around the state submitted application. The final two cities will be chosen this summer.
“Our Stellar Community finalists are working hard to create effective community and economic development. Their intense planning and collaborative efforts strive to attract additional investments and improve the quality of life for their hometown residents,” Ellspermann said in a prepared statement.
Mayor Chris McBarnes submitted Frankfort’s Stellar application on March 1. It outlined seven projects the city would execute if awarded the funds.
“It’s an esteemed honor. I’m elated, I’m excited and at the same time I am humbled,” he said. “This is a great step for our community.”
The proposed projects include construction of an urban park along the banks of Prairie Creek in honor of WWII Navy pilot Adrian Marks; streetscape projects for the courthouse square and other roads running Downtown; restoration to the Gem City parking garage and Downtown facades; the creation of a senior housing facility located at the former Kyger Elementary School.
The projects were selected because officials believe they will be catalysts for city activity and growth. McBarnes added that if completed all seven will serve as assets to Frankfort in years to come.
The application process is ongoing. Officials will have 30 days to complete the final application. It will including artist rendering of each projects and cost breakdowns and analysis.
Communities have been awarded funds ranging from $16 million to $20 million — the 2013 amount is still unknown. Past winners have matched a percentage amounts of the monies given to them. McBarnes said it is still too early to know what Frankfort’s number will be.
The city will also start preparing for the May site visit from Ellspermann. McBarnes said that officials are working on ways to make the city stand out from the competition.
“I don’t know what we will do, but I can promise you this, we are going to be unique,” McBarnes said.
Frankfort’s selection as a finalist has been a combined effort of citizens, workers and officials, McBarnes added.
The other 2013 finalists are: Angola, Bedford, Petersburg, Richmond and Wabash.
Previous winners are: Greencastle, North Vernon, Princeton and Delphi.