Scott City to get $2.5 million in ARPA money

This story is updated.

Scott City is among 15 communities across Missouri receiving multi-million dollar matching grants via distribution from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, according to Shad Burner, the Cape Girardeau-based director of financial initiatives for the state Department of Economic Development (DED).

Scott City is to receive $2.5 million, and city administrator Dustin Whitworth said the money, in a match with what the municipality has already set aside, is earmarked to help a developer with the infrastructure for a 300-acre privately-owned tract behind Sydenstricker Nobbe John Deere dealership on East Outer Road North.

"We're trying to develop an industrial park out behind Nobbe and the money will help do all the infrastructure -- roads, water, sewer, electric, a lift station, the whole bit," said Whitworth, a 1990 Scott City High School graduate who has led the municipal administration for 13 months. "I think this is a step in the right direction for Scott City. For years, we've wanted to recruit development opportunities and jobs to our town, and this is a move to help us get there. This is a 'win-win' for Scott City."

A May 5 press release from DED indicated the total $75 million ARPA funds investment is focused on helping communities develop "shovel-ready" industrial sites to support attracting new businesses and helping existing businesses expand.

"Development-ready sites are vital to attracting employers that make a positive difference for Missourians," said Maggie Kost, DED acting director, referencing the state's industrial site development grant program.

"To grow our economy, it's important to stand out to businesses by providing what they need to invest and expand. This program represents our commitment to creating opportunities through strategic investments in Missouri's future."

The city of Sikeston, Missouri, also was notified of a $2.5 million matching grant award.

DED officials said the grants were competitive with a cumulative $50 million reserved for sites with 1,000 acres or more and $25 million set aside for parcels totaling less than 1,000 acres.

"This program is awarding funds to a variety of communities, large and small, all across our state," said Burner. "Whether for a city, county, or port authority, having industrial sites ready for businesses is absolutely critical to growth. We're excited to support local economies through grant awards that are helping establish foundations for success."

Of note

Whitworth said new housing development is underway in Scott City.

"We have a subdivision going in, which will have 79 new homes across the (railroad) tracks, and 15 of those are pretty much erected. We have another contractor up in Illmo who is building 24 houses and another one across from the ballpark, which will have 32 homes," said Whitworth. "We have a lot of good stuff going on right now."

Whitworth mentioned Scott City received $600,000 two years ago for a ditch project and is applying for an additional Community Development Block Grant for a similar purpose.

He also noted the city got a $500,000 sidewalk grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Grocery

Scott lost its only food market, Bob's Foodliner, when it closed late last summer. The property, Whitworth said, is being repurposed into a fitness center.

"We're still in talks with people, but there's nothing concrete on a store at the moment."