OVERTON (KYTX) - Some East Texas cities are getting a facelift and an economic boost.
It's all thanks to the Texas Department of Agriculture's Texas Capital Fund program.
Overton is one of the few East Texas cities that applied for and received this federal funding last year and they're about to see results. Part of the $195,000 they have to work with is going to sidewalk revitalization, because most of them are crumbling.
Few people know the City of Overton like Jean Beth Hamblin Acklen.
"My family has been in the area since the Civil War," she says. "Our home is over 100 years old and it gives me great pleasure to think Overton can be revitalized."
She's relieved that $135,000 will go towards fixing sidewalks in the downtown area.
"The sidewalks are in dire need," she says.
Another reason so much funding is going to the sidewalks here in downtown Overton is so it is more ADA compliant, meaning sidewalks like these ones are more capable of being used by disabled people.
It's not just the sidewalks that will get a boost, but the city's economy too.
Jean Beth says, "Our population is not as large as it used to be and therefore the tax base has dwindled. So this will be a wonderful thing that has happened to us, and hopefully the money can be used wisely and it will again make our town a place that we can all enjoy together."
The Texas Capital Fund gave Overton $150,000 for revitalization efforts and on top of that, $45,000 came from the city itself.
The Texas Capital Fund requires that cities contribute at least 10 percent of the total funding. Overton has gone above and beyond in giving more than 20 percent.
"I work here so I'm here every day and I think it's going to boost tourism and it's going to revitalize Overton," says nurse Shante McDonald.
Cities that receive funding are also allowed to use the money for road or building construction, and lighting improvements.
Communications Director with the Texas Department of Agriculture, Bryan Black, says, "We've all driven through some rural towns in Texas and seen the downtown areas really crumbling apart, and it looks like a ghost town. Rejuvenating a community's downtown area helps spur business and tourism which leads to job growth, and we all know we need job growth in Texas."
The people of Overton hope funds like this will help their community thrive.
"I think again that our town can boom!" Jean Beth says with a smile.
The City of Overton has until March 2014 to file for reimbursement for their revitalization projects. Sulphur Springs, Trinity and Hughes Springs will also get $195,000 each for revitalization.
Rural Texas cities with populations under 50,000 can still apply for this year's grant. The application deadline is at 5:00 p.m. on July 12.
You can find those applications and more information about the Texas Capital Fund at www.texasagriculture.gov.
