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Savannah, Mo., was selected by the Missouri Department of Economic Development as one of five Missouri communities to participate in the 2009 DREAM (Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance for Missouri) Initiative.

SAVANNAH, Mo. — Savannah joined the growing list of Northwest Missouri communities Tuesday that have been selected to participate in the Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance for Missouri program, also called DREAM.

“The designation brings opportunities for the community,” said Mike Fisher, Savannah’s city administrator.

And it indicates the city’s on the move and taking a positive attitude that’s above and beyond some other communities, Mr. Fisher said.

“Our commitment is to work with you, and we are very excited about making the most of the partnership,” stated Kathleen Danner, interim director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development and wife of Brig. Gen. Stephen Danner,

commander of the Missouri National Guard.

Savannah tried for two or three years to get the designation, said Connie George, a City Council member. “So, I’m proud of the city,” Mrs. George said.

Mayor Billy Kretzer said he was extremely excited because the designation provides more opportunities to access funding and enterprises that will help the community,

“Savannah’s elected officials and city administrator tirelessly work to promote the community,” said State Sen. Brad Lager. “So when things like this happen, it’s good to know that not all government is bad.”

Savannah’s application focused on the desire to extend new street pavement, sidewalks, curbs, a brick retaining wall and aesthetic lighting to the second ring of businesses radiating from the courthouse square. The other goal is to restore some rear facades of several buildings surrounding the courthouse.

“I’d also like to see if we can work with the Northwest Missouri facilitation group to provide opportunities for local businesses to become more competitive,” Mr. Fisher said. He plans to speak at the November meeting of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce about more opportunities the designation will allow the city to pursue.

“Whatever we do will be advantageous for the city,” Mr. Kretzer said.

Some Savannah officials will attend a Nov. 5 workshop in Jefferson City for a one-day briefing on the DREAM program. St, Joseph, Maryville, Chillicothe and Trenton also earned the designation during the last four years.

Marshall White can be reached at marshall@npgco.com.