The historic city of Donaldsonville is rejoining Louisiana’s Main Street program after more than 20 years, Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu announced Friday.

Louisiana Main Street is a community-driven program to restore historic downtowns in small towns and cities throughout the state.

“Downtowns start to rebuild themselves, and that creates jobs, and creates a better community,” he said.

Donaldsonville Mayor Leroy Sullivan, several city councilmen and Ascension Catholic students were in attendance to hear Landrieu and other officials.

“The dedication from those involved will bring great benefits to our city,” the mayor said.

The state Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, which falls under the supervision of Landrieu’s office, manages Main Street. The Downtown Development District will manage the program under direction of John Rodgers.

In May 1984, Donaldsonville’s downtown businesses organized and implemented Main Street to contend with giant chain merchants that opened nearby. It was then managed by the city but failed in 1987 due to lack of funding.

“For Main Street to work, the entire city has to come together,” Rodgers said. “It takes pride.”

Weekly Citizen (Gonzales, La.)