DREAM designation for Fulton, Boonville

Gov. Matt Blunt on Wednesday visited Fulton and Boonville, the DREAM Initiative’s newest designees, to outline how the revitalization program will help the communities create new growth and economic development opportunities.

Fulton’s downtown boasts brick streets and Victorian storefronts; the majority of the buildings in downtown are on the Historic Register-the county courthouse and the city hall draw visitors to downtown. Businesses in downtown Fulton are largely professional, with some retail businesses.

Boonville’s downtown overlooks the Missouri River. Beginning with Daniel Boone’s sons, its roots run deep as a commercial trading post. That continues today with the downtown’s restaurants, shops and service businesses and historic landmarks, such as Thespian Hall, the Odd Fellows Masonic Temple and the old Cooper County jail, all of which represent unique parts of Boonville’s history.

The DREAM Initiative started in 2006, and its mission was to provide Missouri’s small and mid-sized towns the same access to economic development tools as larger communities.  Selected communities become active members of the DREAM Initiative for three-years and gain prioritized access to state supported programs through ongoing cooperation among several unique agencies and funding sources.  Programs include technical and financial assistance for infrastructure improvements, historic preservation, affordable housing, community services, and business development and job creation.