RULEVILLE — Second District Congressman Bennie Thompson recently presented the mayors of Glendora and Tutwiler with checks valued at over $1 million to fund historical projects in the two municipalities.
Glendora Mayor Johnny B. Thomas accepted a check in the amount of $375,000 to fund the preservation of the Emmett Till Historic Intrepid Center structure and artifacts of Emmett Till and his family. The center is housed in a former cotton gin that now functions as a museum and provides other space for activities within the community.
Tutwiler Mayor Nichole Harris-Rosebud received a check for $750,000 on behalf of her town. The money is to help fund the Emmett Till Museum & Welcome Center. The town originally sought $1.2 million for the project, which, according to documents filed with the request, will give the county a welcome center and also enhance the town’s ability to attract tourists and enhance economic development in the area.
The presentations were made by Thompson during a mid-morning press conference on Feb. 14 at The Community House in Ruleville.
Representatives of six towns or cities, two counties and two community colleges within Thompson’s district were invited to the event at which checks totaling more than $12.36 million were presented to aid projects.
Coffeeville was awarded $500,000 for development of a recreational park. Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale received more than $1.66 million for campus safety.
The money is part of nearly $18.79 million that Thompson received for 13 projects in his district through Community Project Funding, which is earmarks requested by members of Congress to support specific community projects as part of the annual federal appropriations funding package.
