Construction on several economic development projects in Bedford is scheduled to begin next spring after the city signed contracts with a construction company this week.
The city has been awarded a state Stellar Grant and the City of Bedford Redevelopment Commission and the board of works has now signed a contract with Bernardin Lochmueller and Associates to build new trails and streetscapes and renovate the Milwaukee depot.
Bedford Mayor Shawna Girgis says the downtown area is the front door to the community and an increased curb appeal will attract more business, industry and families.
"That will equal to us a growing and prosperous community," Girgis says.
Charles Edwards, the President of the Lawrence County Concert Association, has been involved with the implementation of the Stellar Grant. He says the improvements could provide many of the same benefits that the Super Bowl did for Indianapolis.
"We think the stellar grant can transform the square in Bedford and we can do many things that are happening in other cities," Edwards says.
City officials say they've already seen an increase in downtown business investment since the announcement last June.