Rob:  The dwindling populations of towns across the middle of our country do offer some distinct challenges to those still living there.  But thanks to some innovative solutions, and some public-private partnerships, the people of Wewoka, Oklahoma, believe their future is a bright one.
Rob:  During its heyday, the Oklahoma town of Wewoka was literally at the center of U S commerce.  Rail lines, from east to west, and north to south, met in Wewoka to switch tracks.  Known as the Wewoka Switch, Wewoka grew and grew until its population reached close to thirty-five thousand.  Yet today, it’s barely a tenth of that, which has lead to some significant infrastructure challenges.
Mark Mosley:  Of course, nowadays, we’re thirty-five hundred people, but we’re still taking care of the infrastructure that was put in, in the late 20s and early 30s here that was made for a big, big town.
Rob:  But thanks to several grants, and a lot of hard work by city residents, Wewoka is starting to look new again.
Bryan Cain:  It’s an exciting time to be in Wewoka right now.  There’s a lot of things happening with the centennial clock, new football stadium, a lot of new housing being built, new job creation.  It’s a switch from the past.  It’s a, truly a, Wewoka switch.
Rob:  All together Wewoka received 1.5 million dollars to refurbish downtown streets and install old-fashion street lights.  Now while a tremendous amount of work has gone on here on Main Street, even more is going to happen under Main Street, in fact, under all the streets here in Wewoka, as a new four-million dollar re-do of their sewer plant and sewer system is about to get under way.
Karen Johnson:  Outside investments help the city put what money they have, make it grow into a little more money.  We have earmarked funds from our sales tax from several years ago using for economic development, but it’s not enough, so you need more investment from other sources to come in and help you get what you need.  And once we get those buildings started, maybe we can have more of our own money to do the next project.
Rob:  A public-private partnership that is helping Wewoka improve its image and the quality of life here.
Dale Nichols:  Private money is an integral part to our success.  Many, many dollars have been given by our local citizens who are very interested in this community’s well-being.  And I think the leverage from the community and the government funds have just been a very important part to our success.
Rob:  Improvements city residents believe are just the first of many more to come.