Labadie has been selected by East West Gateway Council of Governments to receive planning assistance through the Great Streets grant program.

First District Commissioner Terry Wilson made the announcement Tuesday at the county commission meeting.

The grant will allow Labadie to receive free planning assistance in meeting the town's unique needs by devising creative, community-driven solutions to improving its historic downtown, Wilson said.

"This also will enhance economic stability in the unincorporated community, Wilson noted."

"This will not only serve the Labadie area but the rest of the county as a whole," Wilson said.

He said this will serve as a test program. If this is successful in Labadie, the county may try to do similar economic development projects in other unincorporated communities, Wilson said.

Wilson thanked the downtown Labadie merchants and citizens as well as Public Works Director Rich Wilson for playing a major role in the success of the grant.

Les Sterman, executive director of EWGW, said, "The selection team was very impressed with the area's history and the sensitivity given for new buildings to respect the established character of this small town."

"However the team also witnessed the challenges present in safely and attractively accommodating all forms of travel along and within the street. As such, a clear need for assistance was observed."

The next step will be to seek consulting services and community collaboration.