There has been a steady increase in sales tax collections, and officials expect to see a dramatic increase in retail developments in 2000. One of our biggest problems has been lack of good transportation infrastructure, Morganti said. Four-lane roads and a bridge across river will bring a lot of development. We ve already had people tell us they are interested in the area for that reason. We also have some major educational projects going on.
Education is such a key issue with regard to development.
Aesthetics are also critical to future growth. With that in mind the development foundation and Entergy have just funded a new round of downtown renovation. It has helped us to stabilize the central business district in Belzoni, Luster said. For a community our size, we have probably one of the highest occupancy rates in the state. There are no available buildings in our downtown.