COMMUNITY UPDATE: Chouteau Thrives Amid Regional Collaboration and Growth
08/15/2024
The city of Chouteau is experiencing a renaissance, fueled by a regional collaboration spearheaded by MidAmerica Industrial Park, that has brought significant economic and community development. This surge in growth underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in impacting local progress.
Under the guidance of Superintendent Lori Helton, Chouteau-Mazie Public Schools recently passed a crucial $12.995 million bond aimed at enhancing school facilities and safety measures. The bond, which had previously failed, succeeded on a second attempt with a revised proposal that resonated with the community.
The funds will be used for new secure entrances to both the elementary and middle schools, a redesigned parent pickup area and expansions to the early childhood building, which will now include a dedicated space for a nurse and counselor. A significant portion of the bond,$6 million, is allocated for a 10,000-square-foot storm shelter at the middle and high school, which will also house new classrooms. This bond did not result in increased taxes, as it coincided with the payoff of a previous bond, ensuring community support.
Superintendent Helton also highlighted the impact of MidAmerica Industrial Park on the school district. “MidAmerica Industrial Park has been a tremendous partner for our school district. When businesses come into MidAmerica, it directly benefits us. These businesses contribute to our capacity and resources. The growth and development brought by MidAmerica help us better serve our students and meet the needs of our growing community,” she explained.
Mayor Brenda Cunningham has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of MidAmerica’s Community Growth project,which has led to new parks, housing developments and essential infrastructure improvements in Chouteau.
“When I took over as mayor, we lost our grocery store. Harpsbought it and then closed it,” Cunningham said. After a pivotal meeting with Harps facilitated by MidAmerica, the grocery store chain invested $4 million to remodel and reopen the store, which has been operational since January. “Without MidAmerica, the grocery store wouldn’t have happened,” Cunningham emphasized.
Chouteau’s residential sector is also booming, with 27 out of 53 planned new homes already built and selling rapidly. There is an expected growth of an additional 300 homes with three active builders currently working in Chouteau.
The city has made significant strides in infrastructure, including the completion of $1.2 million in sidewalks funded by a Safe Schools grant in collaboration with the Cherokee Nation and Chouteau schools. These sidewalks connect the community directly to the grocery store, enhancing accessibility and safety.
A new QuikTrip is set to open on Labor Day weekend, featuring a truck stop and gas station on a five-acre plot. This development is expected to attract additional businesses, including potential restaurants and a hotel, signaling further economic expansion. “Where QuikTrip goes, other businesses follow,” Cunningham noted.
With an estimated 30,000-35,000 cars passing through Chouteau daily, the town is strategically positioned in the heart of regional growth. The city is actively seeking grants to further improve infrastructure, working with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) and the Oklahoma Water Resources Authority (OWRA). The Cherokee Nation, a vital partner, is assisting in writing several of these grant applications due in September and October.
Chouteau is also enhancing its parks, including upgrades to the disc golf course, ensuring recreational spaces keep pace with the town’s growth.
The intertwined efforts of Chouteau-Mazie Public Schools, the city government and MidAmerica Industrial Park underscore the power of collaboration in driving local development. As Chouteau continues to expand, the benefits of these strategic partnerships are evident in theenhanced quality of life for its residents and the promising future that lies ahead.