Meridian has been approved for a  $600,000 grant to help fund a new community center in the city’s east end. The aging Velma Young Center is in need of repairs and will only serve about 75 children currently. The proposed center would accommodate up to 400 children.

    Mayor Percy Bland received a letter from Gov. Phil Bryant on Monday stating that the city’s application for the Community Development Block Grant has been approved by the Mississippi Development Authority.

    In May, the Meridian City Council agreed to spend $750,000 for the center.

    “Through this application for funding, the city of Meridian has demonstrated its commitment to addressing the community development needs of Mississippi,” Bryant said in his letter. “I commend you for this initiative and for helping improve the quality of life in your community.”

    Most of the city’s portion will be funded through savings gained through refinancing of bond issues for lower interest rates, Bland said. The city is saving $635,000 in the lower interest costs, he said.

    “This is investment into an area that has been underserved for a number of years,” Bland said. “We’re excited to have the announcement to have the grant because of the resource that this community center will provide, the opportunity and hope for the community will provide.”

    Bland said it will also help with programs related to job readiness, Parks and Recreation, and it will serve as a place to have programs for youth and older adults. It will also serve as an economic driver, providing a venue for visiting teams and a location for meetings and events, he said.

    “We’re so excited to have this community center about to be a part of our Velma Young Community in the very near future,” Bland said on Monday.

    The next step is getting environmental clearance, then developing architectural and engineering plans.