Meridian is among 14 communities nationwide just designated as Preserve America Communities, by First Lady Laura Bush. This brings the total number of Preserve America Communities to 585. The new communities are located across the country from Alaska to Maine and reflect the diversity of America's historic resources.

In addition to Meridian, the other communities newly designated are Anchorage, Alaska; Fremont County, Colorado; New Britain, Connecticut; Hardin County, Iowa; Portland, Maine; Rockville, Maryland; Cape Girardeau, Missouri; the Soulard Neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri; Jefferson County, Montana; Lincoln County, North Carolina; Lincolnton, North Carolina; Enterprise, Oregon; and Abbeville, South Carolina.

The Preserve American Communities program recognizes communities that protect and celebrate their heritage, use their historic assets for community development, and encourage people to experience and appreciate local historical resources through education and heritage tourism.

Benefits of designation include:

White House recognition

eligibility to apply for Preserve America grants

a certificate of recognition

a Preserve America Community road sign

authorization to use the Preserve America logo on signs, flags, banners and promotional materials

listing in a web-based Preserve America Community directory

inclusion in national and regional press releases

official notification of designation to state tourism offices and visitors bureaus

enhanced community visibility and pride

Maureen Lofton

Assistant for Governmental Affairs

City of Meridian

P.O. Box 1430

Meridian, MS 39302

Phone: (601) 485-1819

FAX: (601)485-1911

e-mail: maureenlofton@meridianms.org