Weldon was one of 12 towns chosen to participate in the program, which was designed in 2006 to help revitalize economically distressed towns of fewer than 10,000 across the state. The 12 towns join 33 communities already participating in the program, either as an individual town or part of a cooperating cluster.
As part of its participation, Weldon received $30,000 in planning funds to develop a strategy for revitalization and is eligible to receive $100,000 in implementation funds.
Members of the community helped in planning goals for the program and concluded the town should help existing businesses and work to bring new ones to the town. The group also concluded Weldon should be marketed as a tourist destination.
The group also decided the three anchor projects in town should be the old grist mill, the cotton mill where Riverside Mill is located and the former Super Sturdy building, which overlooks the river.
Scott said the plan also includes building a new library and using the old library as a transportation museum.
“Weldon is very lucky to be selected as a STEP community,” Scott told the board. “You will see long lasting benefits.”
Mayor Julia Meacham said the process leading to approval of the plan has been one spanning the past two years. “I think the citizens see that we are part of that process.”