(KAIR)--Shock is the word being used to describe the decision to end the Kansas Main Street Program.
Kansas Main Street, utilized in local communities including Holton, Seneca, Highland and Marysville, is a downtown revitalization program which began in 1985. The self help effort, allowing small communities to grow, was assisted through state funding.
On Thursday, the Kansas Department of Commerce sent a letter addressed to Economic Development, Education and Workforce Stakeholders stating that the program will no longer continue.
The letter, signed by Secretary of Commerce Pat George, states that discontinuing Main Street is part of a broader restructuring of the Department of Commerce, which will include combining the Trade Division with the Business and Community Development Division.
The reason for the move, according to the letter, is to allow the Department to better integrate Department of Commerce programs that help companies promote their products and services with the Department's business recruitment and community development efforts.
Specifically addressing the Main Street Program, George says it's believed the goals of the program, which he calls a valued part of the Department's economic development offerings, can be achieved using other resources available through the Department's remaining Business and Community Development programs.
The decision also means the cancellation of the 2012 Main Street conference planned for next month in Emporia.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Atchison apt fire claim's toddler's life, injures others
Four arrested for illegal activity on Kickapoo Reservation
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
Wetmore man arrested on child sex-related charge
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Walnut Township Treasurer removed; votes unofficial until canvass
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
TX man to stand trial on charges in fatal Jackson Co crash
Local judge files for re-election
Atchison in running for national fireworks honors
Trail rides ending at Indian Cave State Park
Atchison's BC names Educator of the Year
LATEST STORIES
One injured in Nemaha Co wreck
Sheriff: phone call promises of free money is a scam
Moran works for Mayetta veteran's recognition
Atchison Commission to focus on manager vacancy Thursday
Falls city Council hears updates on grant programs
Work underway to draft new Missouri River management plan
Resurfacing project begins on K-9 in Marshall Co