This total was up significantly from the $76 million of cumulative investment reported by 44 communities in 2015.
The latest figures included $75 million in private investment, matched by almost $31 million in public improvements.
The revitalization statistics were announced during the KYMS winter meeting in Frankfort.
In addition to statewide investment numbers, the resolutions also noted that in 2016, Kentucky Main Street communities reported:
1,452 new jobs created in Main Street districts
234 new businesses created
81 new housing units in downtowns
198 building rehabilitation projects completed
$51,433,241 invested in historic building rehabilitation
234 new businesses created
81 new housing units in downtowns
198 building rehabilitation projects completed
$51,433,241 invested in historic building rehabilitation
On Thursday, directors met at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet building to hear program updates and special guest speakers, including presentations on bicycle and pedestrian projects and Tax Increment Financing.
Also on Thursday, 29 communities achieved accreditation for 2017 as certified by both Kentucky Main Street and the National Main Street Center. These are Bardstown, Bellevue, Cadiz, Campbellsville, Carrollton, Covington, Cynthiana, Danville, Dawson Springs, Frankfort, Guthrie, Harrodsburg, Henderson, LaGrange, London, Maysville, Morehead, Murray, New Castle, Paducah, Perryville, Pikeville, Pineville, Princeton, Shelbyville, Springfield, Taylorsville, Williamsburg and Winchester.
Kentucky Main Street’s mission is to prioritize the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings as the framework supporting downtown revitalization and economic development strategies. Participation requires local commitment and financial support, with a Main Street director to administer the program in partnership with a volunteer board.
