Fairfield named Iowa Great Place
By Vicki Tillis and Lacey Jacobs, Ledger staff writer
10/27/2006
<x-tad-bigger> Fairfield has been named one of the next six Iowa Great Places.
The official announcement was made this morning during a press conference at the State Historical Building in Des Moines, although a phone call to Fairfield's Great Places team Thursday evening had let them know the news early.
"This is really something for everyone to feel proud of and to celebrate," Fairfield Mayor Ed Malloy said, explaining the announcement is validation of the positive changes taking place in Fairfield.
According to Malloy, being named a Great Place means Fairfield will be able to expand some its projects, such as the downtown streetscape project, as well as hasten their progress.
The Legislature designated $3 million for this year's Great Places, but Malloy doesn't yet know how that money will be split among the six winners. Fairfield had requested $650,000 in its application, but that amount may be negotiable, Malloy explained.
"The money is wonderful," he continued, "but I think the added value to the reputation of Fairfield as a place is invaluable."
It's a win-win situation regardless of the amount of money Fairfield receives, he said.
The state and the new Great Places are expected to develop work plans and sign memorandums of understanding later this year.
</x-tad-bigger> http://tinyurl.com/y2rxfj
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