Rep. Thompson Community Project Requests for Inclusion in FY 2022 Appropriations Legislation
I am proud to request funding for the following Community Projects – which will benefit the diverse communities in my congressional district – in the FY 2022 appropriations legislation that is currently under consideration in the House Appropriations Committee:
(Projects are listed in alphabetical order based on project name.)
Community Project Fund Requests
- Community Museums of African American History
Member's Signed Certification Letter
Subcommittee: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug administration, and Related Agencies
USDA: Rural Development, Rural Community Facility Grants
The Reverend George Lee Museums - Belzoni, MS (Humphreys County) – Helen Sims, Executive Director
Purpose: To form a partnership with local museums to highlight African American history and culture.
Amount: $400k
This project will provide a safe and healthy environment in our community for social gatherings and outdoor events aligned with the CDC Guidelines for the health and safety of all visitors and boost the local economy by encouraging state, local and national tourism by providing recreational and educational outdoor events.
- Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation Headquarters
Member's Signed Certification Letter
Subcommittee: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug administration, and Related Agencies
USDA: Rural Development, Rural Community Facility Grants
Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation - Ruleville, MS (Sunflower County) - Freddie White-Johnson, Executive Director
Purpose: The Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation proposes to utilize funds to construct and furnish the Foundation's headquarters in Ruleville, MS, home of the late civil rights leader, Fannie Lou Hamer.
Amount: $3m
The Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation plans to construct a 10,000 sq. ft. headquarters facility in Rules, MS. This facility will stand as a memorial for to honor Fannie Lou Hamer and civil rights activism that will be a tourist attraction. In Mississippi 2nd Congressional District, cancer health disparities are very high, and people are dying prematurely from this dreadful disease due to lack of resources and economic costs. This facility will assist in increasing cancer awareness and outreach as well as offer early detection screening services among underserved men and women throughout the rural MS Delta.
- Project Name: Rural Hinds County Utilization Project
Member's Signed Certification Letter
Subcommittee: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
Economic Development Initiative
Hinds County Board of Supervisors
Purpose: Beautification Projects for Townships of Bolton, Edwards and Utica, MS: The purpose is to enhance the overall curve appeal of the towns by developing their natural assets – greenery, tall ever greens and magnolia trees, flat countryside. A visually appealing community usually help increases property values, attracts businesses, and improves the overall image of neighborhoods.
Amount: $1,465,000
The townships were established as communities long before they were incorporated as towns. They are historic in events and local sites. At one time, they may have employed many in the agriculture and manufactory industries, but over the past 30 years, those employment industries have declined drastically. However, because these towns are located near a major interstate (I-20) and state highways (Hwy 18 and 27), they are in good locations for future growth of big companies and corporations. Many Fortune 500 companies are looking to expand in new markets and in areas where they can reduce production cost. Increasing the visibility of these towns via beautification projects can make a big difference as to whether they get a first or second look for consideration. Taxpayers are stakeholders in the community. Beautifying the towns attracts more interest in a community and increase property value. As stakeholders, taxpayers benefit from the enhancement of the community because their investment in the stock (property) goes up.
- Project Name: I.T. Montgomery House
Member's Signed Certification Letter
Subcommittee: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug administration, and Related Agencies
USDA: Rural Development, Rural Community Facility Grants
I.T. Montgomery House Mound Bayou, MS (Bolivar County), Tracey Prince, Executive Director;
Purpose: The funding would be used for restoration of the I.T. Montgomery house to create a historic site for the community.
Amount: $3m
The project will help revitalize the increasing tourism and economic growth. This project will assist in providing the educational and historical value to the community by uplifting the town's story of being the first black community founded by former slaves in the nation. It will increase community harmony and be a place of fellowship while attracting Americans from all over the nation.
- Project Name: Cary Christian Center
Member's Signed Certification Letter
Subcommittee: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug administration, and Related Agencies
USDA: Rural Development, Rural Community Facility Grants
Cary Christian Center (Carl Watley) Cary, MS (Sharkey County) –
Purpose: The funding would be used for continuing the center's four core programs, which includes after-school and summer enrichment programs, maternal and child health programs, employment skills training program and home repairs for low income citizens.
Amount: $50k
This project will provide community-based programs that will improve the quality of life by decreasing poverty, improve childhood academic, behavioral, and health outcomes, eliminate food insecurity, increase employment and employability, and decrease infant mortality. The center currently operates programs that improve academic and behavioral outcomes of grade school students; assist maternal and child health and social outcomes of mothers and children; offer training and skill building for community members; and improve the physical appearance of the community by providing resources and coordinating volunteers to assist in home repair. The community is aware of programs offered that are in tune with community needs. Cary Christian Center has and will continue to offer after school programs and provide essential family needs that have increased during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Project Name: JSU Center for Living, Learning, and Cultural Engagement
Member's Signed Certification Letter
Subcommittee: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
Dept. of Education, Higher Education
Jackson State University (Purchase of Building) Jackson, MS (Hinds County), Dr. Thomas Hudson, President;
Purpose: Redesign an existing building to provide affordable housing to students and area workers. The building will also house programs such as, JSU Global, Center for Community Engagement, SBA Women's Business Assistance Center, and possible museum space.
Amount: $3.2m
This project represents a significant investment in an area that has been historically underserved and has fallen victim to an aging infrastructure. The project will be an innovative partnership between the Jackson community and a historically black college. The center will be a mixed-use development designed to meet the intricate needs of the community. The center will be housed in an existing building that will be redesigned for use more in line with community needs. It will provide educational program housed in the center will help promote equity in the areas of economic development, cultural learning, and community engagement. It will offer a centralized space within an HBCU, offering a focal point for the community.
- Project Name:Reuben Anderson Institute of Social Justice
Member's Signed Certification Letter
Subcommittee: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
Dept. of Education, Higher Education
Tougaloo College Library (Civil Rights) Jackson, MS (Madison County) - Dr. Carmen Walters, President
Purpose: To establish the Reuben V. Anderson Institute for Social Justice.
Amount: $900k
The funds requested will be used to assist Tougaloo College in preserving its historic legacy of social justice, supporting its mission of social activism, and provide communities in building capacity to address 21st century social justice issues. It will engage community members by offering trainings for individuals interested in business, politics, and non-profits. It will represent a crossroad in growth and opportunity. Strategies proposed will help illustrate the timeliest, most important calls to action for the MS Delta strengthening its economic position and bring together community resources, assets, and stakeholders for a common objective. Ultimately, this project will bring equity to the MS Delta and improve the quality of life for its residents with increased job and opportunities investments.
- Project Name: But God Ministries
Member's Signed Certification Letter
Subcommittee: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug administration, and Related Agencies
USDA: Rural Development, Rural Community Facility Grants
But God Ministries (Jobs Training building), Jonestown, MS (Coahoma County), Bennie Brown,
Purpose: The funding would be used for the completion of the new Economic Development Center in Jonestown.
Amount: $2.1m
The first phase of construction of the new Center for Economic Development and Business Incubator (CEDBI), and now, it needs to be completed with further infrastructural needs. Donations has been acquired to assist the community center as well as the community by assisting by building homes and lowering the cost for construction loans and monthly mortgages. This project will benefit the community greatly by providing jobs and financial needs. It will assist in community development and help the communities in Jonestown become economically stable.
- Project Name: Community Multi-Functional Facility
Member's Signed Certification Letter
Subcommittee: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug administration, and Related Agencies
USDA: Rural Development, Rural Community Facility Grants
Town of Rosedale, MS (Bolivar County) – Alicia Thomas, Mayor;
Purpose: The funding would be used for a multi-functional space that promotes diverse activities in the Town of Rosedale.
Amount: $300k
This project will provide a multi-functional space; These spaces can contribute to community growth and appeal to community members allowing them to act as incubators for new ideas, artists, academics, and social entrepreneurs. This connection will inspire innovation and provide opportunities for collaboration with other agencies. This project is design to benefit taxpayers by providing a safe space for youths to access educational support; and host community-oriented events; and provide safe environment for community members while providing with valuable information that assist with financial and social needs.
10. Project Name: Homeless & Disaster Relief Shelter
Member's Signed Certification Letter
Subcommittee: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug administration, and Related Agencies
USDA: Rural Development, Rural Community Facility Grants
Project/Place/contact: Central Mississippi, Inc. Winona, MS (Leflore County), Dr. Pamela Gary,
Amount: 400k
Purpose: This project proposes a homeless/disaster relief shelter in the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi for a seven-county area. Due to the many natural disasters that have occurred in the Mississippi Delta over the past couple of years, it is necessary for the area to have available a secure space for a disaster relief shelter. To date, there are no homeless/disaster relief areas in any areas in the Mississippi Delta, only in Jackson, MS. This shelter is greatly needed as we had to transport homeless families long distances due to domestic abuse to Jackson and other places. Unfortunately, the homeless shelter in Jackson is filled most of the time and in those instances, Central Mississippi, Inc. would provide lodging for up to three nights for those in need. Central Mississippi, Inc. currently has a facility that can house a homeless shelter. It is a 10,000 sq ft building equipped with a kitchen, cafeteria area, and bathrooms. Funds are needed for renovations. The building is centrally located in Winona, Mississippi.
Click here for community letter of support for project.