Sikeston to receive $9 million in ARPA funds for city development

SIKESTON, Mo. (KBSI) – The Sikeston community is celebrating after receiving more than $9 million in American Plan Rescue Act funds.

“They’re projects we wouldn’t have been able to do without funds coming from the state,” said Jonathan Douglass, the city manager for Sikeston.

The public is invited to a ceremony, which will be held at legion park on June 29. The celebration is part of the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s helping Missourians prosper ARPA tour.

“We are really excited, especially in our downtown area, we have several projects going on, and it’s going to make a huge difference in our historic downtown area,” said Douglass.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Sikeston and the collaboration of our community that undoubtedly led to the successful funding of these very worthy projects,” said President and CEO of the Sikeston Regional Chamber and Area Economic Development Corporation Marcie Lawson. “So, one of the projects I’m most excited about is the expansion of our Legion Park. We’ve got moms another place to bring our kiddos, we’ve got teens who are excited about an ice-skating rink, the expanded green space is going to compliment all the investment that’s been going into our downtown.”

Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe along with Director of Federal initiatives for Missouri Department of Economic Development Shad Burner, Acting Director of Missouri Economic Development Michelle Hataway and Missouri Sen. Holly Rehder will join local officials and grant recipients at the celebration.

“We’re thrilled to have the lieutenant governor come as well, it’s exciting to have him down in the bootheel and celebrate with us, and these awesome wins,” said Lawson.

The ARPA funds will go toward seven projects in the Sikeston community.

That includes an expansion of the Sikeston Career and Technology Center, new delivery trucks for the SEMO Food Bank, and a visitor center and rodeo museum.