Leaders from the Marshall County Crossroads Regional Stellar Communities Initiative submitted a funding request to the Marshall County Council members last week for quality of life projects within the Regional Development Plan.
Marshall County Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Jerry Chavez said there are several facets in the quality of life plan incorporated into the Stellar plan and beyond.
“If we do this right, it gives us a road map on how we’re going to improve this county,” stated Chavez.
There are 10 categories that officials are looking to improve upon and they include housing; quality of place; arts and culture; transportation and trails; workforce development; industry, growth and entrepreneurship; health and wellness; education and training; diversity and inclusion and leadership capacity building.
In all, about 50 projects in the plan were drawn from public engagement at several community events to see what the residents want to see in Marshall County. Those community projects have the support of funding from the municipalities and the council was asked to help fund these projects with $400,000 over the next four years to accomplish these goals. That assistance could leverage another $1.2 million in grant funds, if designated.
After much discussion, the council members approved the support of $400,000 for the quality of life service projects and signed a letter of support to include in the Regional Development Plan that is due on Friday, Sept. 20.
