Texarkana residents will soon see brighter streets in the city’s downtown core after Main Street Texarkana secured a $5,000 grant to fund a new lighting initiative. The grant, awarded through the Anice Read Fund and administered by Texas Downtown, was announced on Nov. 4 at the Texas Downtown Annual Conference in Amarillo, according to KTBS.
The funding will be used to install 16 new light poles and decorative string lighting along a three‑block stretch of West Broad Street, extending from State Line Avenue to Spruce Street. Officials said the project is intended to improve visibility for drivers and pedestrians alike and to encourage more foot traffic in the area.
“The addition of these light poles and string lighting will make West Broad Street safer and more inviting for shoppers, diners, and families,” a spokesperson for Main Street Texarkana told KTBS. The organization plans to coordinate the installation with local businesses to minimize disruption, though specific timelines for the work were not disclosed in the report.
The Anice Read Fund, which provides small‑scale grants to support downtown revitalization projects across Texas, selected the Main Street Texarkana proposal after a competitive review process. Texas Downtown, the nonprofit that administers the fund, highlighted the project’s focus on pedestrian‑friendly improvements as a key factor in its decision.
Community leaders expressed optimism that the enhanced lighting will help attract visitors to downtown retailers and restaurants, especially during evening hours. While the grant covers the cost of the poles and string lighting, additional expenses such as electrical work and ongoing maintenance will need to be addressed by the city or private partners.
Local officials have not announced a specific start date for the installation, but they indicated that work will begin once the necessary permits are secured and contractors are selected. Residents can expect the project to be completed within the calendar year, pending weather and supply considerations.
For now, the grant represents a tangible step toward revitalizing West Broad Street, a corridor that connects the historic State Line Avenue district with the newer commercial area near Spruce Street. The lighting upgrade aligns with broader efforts to make downtown Texarkana a more vibrant, walkable destination for families and visitors.
What’s next: Main Street Texarkana will continue to work with Texas Downtown and local contractors to finalize installation plans. Updates on the project’s schedule and any public meetings related to the lighting upgrade will be posted on the organization’s website and social media channels.
Sources: ktbs.com
