The recipient entity's physical address:
           101 S Franklin, Suite A
Bastrop, LA 71220

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           PO Box 108
Bastrop, LA 71221

Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Corporation

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          President, John S. Bond
Vice President, Hugo Hughes
Secretary-Treasurer Bob Jackson

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  2245

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $125,000

What type of request is this?  General Appropriation

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           Alex Rankin
Director
411 S. Washington
Bastrop, LA71220

Billy Jordan
Chairman-Director
1727 East Madison
Bastrop LA 71220

Robert Green,
Vice Chairman-Director
7680 Green Crest
Bastrop LA 71220

Odis Hill
Past Chairman-Director
9609 Marlett Dr
Bastrop, LA

Kathy Lenard
122 Tall Oaks Lane
Bastrop LA 71220

Kay King
Office Administrator
6291 Maxwell Rd
Bastrop, LA 71220

Provide a summary of the project or program:
           Morehouse Economic Development Corporation is currently located in a courtesy room of the Capital One Bank. To access the office requires entry through a bank entrance which is locked when the bank is closed. During COVID and subsequent staffing shortages the lobby is closed at random intervals. In the past, company representatives, other organizations, and agencies occasionally use our conference room, but this is limited to regular banking hours or when the lobby of the bank is open. The organization's current office is handicap accessible but does not have a handicap-accessible restroom. This can limit funding opportunities and our ability to provide meetings that are inclusive of all individuals unless the bank lobby restroom is available.

In September 2022, the organization purchased a building in the downtown area that is more visible and can be easily accessed for extended hours. It is on Main Street with easy access to the Parish Court House, Police Jury Office, and other governmental offices. The new location is ideally located to provide services to existing and prospective businesses. The new location is located at 119 East Madison and was historically used as a retail store. To create the Morehouse Economic Development Resource Center, the building will require renovation to accommodate a variety of services. The facilities will provide a one-stop information center for business development. The design will include a short-term courtesy office for a more secure meeting and cubical space for business prospects working in the area, businesses dislocated by hurricanes, flooding, disruptive events, or related uses that serve the public interest. The office will provide access to workspaces with secure fiber optic internet connections, key-coded access locks, and an open-concept conference area equipped with teleconferencing equipment.

What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Professional Services. . . $0
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $0
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $125,000
          Operating Services. . . . $0
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $0

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  No

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          Yes

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          The repairs made to this building will enhance the appearance of the downtown area. The location will make it easier for the public to locate and have access to economic development resources. The organization can host small groups on site for stakeholders and prospective businesses designed to increase participation within the community.

What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          The organization will contract with private companies licensed and qualified to complete the project in a timely manner. Bids will be taken in accordance with state requirements.

What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           6 months

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                 N/A
    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                 N/A

     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                 N/A

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                  N/A

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               N/A

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
               N/A

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
                N/A

          What is the nature of the relationship?  None

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                 N/A

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               Thia will be a construction project in the Historic District in the City of Bastrop. Plans will be reviewed and approved by the Fire Marshall, Planning and Zoning Board, Historic District Commission before the finalization of plans and the award of a contract. It will be a conventional renovation of a historic building. Existing materials will be tested to ensure proper disposal if removed. Some materials have been tested and were negative for asbestos.


Contact Information
name:  Kay King 
                                       address:  Morehouse Economic Development Corporation
101 S. Franklin, Suite A
Bastrop, LA 71220
                                       phone:  (318) 355-0091
                                       fax:  (318) 283-0651
                                       e-mail:  morehouse.edc@outlook.com
                                       relationship to entity:  Administrative Officer, CEO