Aug 11, 2024– During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hernando Main Street businesses faced significant challenges due to state-mandated closures aimed at protecting public health. In 2023, $3 million in ARPA funding was allocated for eligible projects in Mississippi Main Street Association-designated communities. ARPA, the American Rescue Plan Act, was developed to provide relief to individuals and communities negatively impacted by the pandemic.
The Hernando Main Street Chamber of Commerce (HMSCOC) provided details on how it plans to use its ARPA funds and announced a Kick-Off Event will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 20 on Panola Street at 1 p.m.
The HMSCOC will utilize this ARPA funding to implement several key beautification projects in Hernando, including wayfinding, street beautification, and park restoration.
Wayfinding Project:
This initiative aims to enhance the visibility of local Main Street businesses, cultural and arts attractions, and other points of interest in the downtown area. The HMSCOC and the City of Hernando will collaborate on this project, with Mitchell Signs responsible for the installation of wayfinding signs.
String Lights on Panola Street:
Panola Street, a popular venue for local events, will be adorned with string lights to add vibrancy to the downtown area. Whitfield Electric will handle the installation of these lights.
Park Enhancements:
In partnership with Hernando Park and Recreation, the HMSCOC will improve Church Park and Kuykendall Fitness Park. Upgrades will include new engineered wood fiber safety surfacing, ADA ramp inserts for playground borders, and portable pickleball nets at the tennis courts. Kuykendall Fitness Park will also receive new fitness equipment signs, metal workout seats and benches, and an ADA-accessible water fountain.
Music Around the Square:
The HMSCOC will partner with the City of Hernando to install speakers on select light poles around the square. Wisdom Integrators will handle the installation, ensuring a constant stream of rhythmic tunes for shoppers and diners to enjoy.
These enhancements, funded by ARPA, aim to improve, beautify, and enhance Hernando’s downtown. The projects will attract more tourists and residents to local Main Street businesses and restaurants, boost tourism and community engagement, and foster a sense of pride in the community.
The ARPA Project Kickoff Party is made possible by the ARPA funds provided by the Mississippi Main Street Association through the Mississippi Legislature. As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, the Hernando Main Street Chamber of Commerce is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.
All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by Main Street America. The Hernando Main Street Chamber of Commerce is a Designated program of the Mississippi Main Street Association.
