Baker said, "These projects will improve infrastructure and add several jobs and employment opportunities in the community. The largest project totals $338,000 and is funded by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (ODOC). The grant will help pay for a much needed sewer upgrade in the original part of town, along Wheeler Avenue south and east to the railroad near Jay Reynolds Park."
Julie Ferguson, the city's grants administrator, said another ODOC grant award for a total of $176,050 will be used to repair downtown sidewalks and install vintage lighting. Sallisaw Main Street is participating in this project.
State Sen. Kenneth Corn (D-Poteau) and State Rep. Glen "Bud" Smithson announced a grant award of $75,000 earlier this month, which is a Community Development Block Grant and a portion of the money received for improvements in the downtown area. Corn said the grants would be used to improve handicap accessibility, lighting and general beautification efforts.
"This grant will enable the city of Sallisaw to enhance the image of the downtown area, making it an even stronger business and cultural destination for area residents," Corn said. "When completed, the improvements will result in an even more public-friendly downtown area, laying the foundation for continued growth and development."
Smithson said the grants are made available each year through ODOC and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The city was awarded the grant after applying through the Century Community program.
"Improving our downtown area helps us build a foundation for economic growth and development," Smithson said. "This project will make the area a more attractive destination for both businesses and the public. This is good news for the city of Sallisaw."
Ferguson said another program that is new to the community is a 2008-9 grant for $262,000 from Cherokee Nation to create a drug prevention program. The grant will be used to hire at least two staff persons this year. The coalition working on the drug prevention program includes the City of Sallisaw as fiscal agent, the Sallisaw Police Department, Sallisaw Schools, the Boys and Girls Club, the district attorney's office and People, Inc.
Ferguson said, "This is a cooperative approach to drug prevention in our community starting with grade 12 and under."
The Cherokee Nation grant is approved for five years and the funding will be renewed each year for an additional four years that will amount to about $1 million total for the drug prevention program in Sallisaw and surrounding communities.
Ferguson said an additional $30,052 was received from the U. S. Department of Justice for equipment for both the Sallisaw Police Department and the Sequoyah County Sheriff's Office. Sallisaw Police Department will use their portion for additional in-car cameras.
Ferguson said the Sallisaw Fire Department's work on the federally mandated Hazardous Mitigation Plan has been formally approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and qualifies the city to receive an additional $5,770 for administration to the original $15,000 originally funded for the plan.
Ferguson said, "With the approval of this plan the city may now apply for additional grants to prevent flooding inside the city limits. Notice of Intent letters have been submitted for possible grants to relieve the flooding problem in the drainage areas of the city."
