Governor Brad Henry has declared Oct. 13-20 as Oklahoma Main Street Week.

Muskogee is one of 43 Oklahoma communities and five urban districts actively participating in the Oklahoma Main Street Program, according to a media release.

The program in Muskogee is new for 2008, but already, volunteers have logged more than 100 hours in work toward improving the central business district through Downtown Muskogee, Inc.

The Main Street program is implemented through the efforts of four standing committees: organization, promotions, economic restructuring and design. Volunteers who serve on these committees are developing plans for a clean-up day downtown, façade renovations and sidewalk improvements, additional flower plantings and special events for Christmas, the release states.

In conjunction with the Muskogee Historic Preservation Commission, Downtown Muskogee, Inc. has endorsed the establishment of a Downtown Muskogee Historic District. The Public Works Committee has approved this request.

Establishing a local historic district is a first step in receiving National Register status for the downtown. When this is completed, tax credits will become available for renovations to buildings within the district, according to the release.

“This will enable us to recruit investors to the downtown to improve our historic buildings,” said Main Street Program Director Jonita Mullins, who also serves on the Historic Preservation Commission. “Making the downtown a historic district serves both our goals of historic preservation and economic revitalization.”