Plans to get Ferriday listed as a certified local government are under way, said Liz Brooking, a member of the Ferriday Downtown Revitilization Committee.

The certified local government program exists on local, state and federal levels, and works to provide assistance to towns that wish to preserve their heritage.

In Louisiana, being a certified local government means that towns can apply to participate in the Louisiana Main Street Program, Teresa Dennis said.

The LMSP is dedicated to revitalizing the traditional business districts in towns in rural Louisiana.

There are several requirements for a community to become a certified local government.

First, the town must pass ordinances for designating and protecting historic properties.

Next, a historic preservation review committee must be established.

Following that, the town needs to keep a survey of historic properties and allow for public participation in the local historical preservation program.

Finally, the town needs to act in line with the National Historic Preservation Amendments Act of 1980.

“The ordinances that are needed are already in place in Ferriday,” Dennis said.

“The historical comission has been formed and has already met a couple of times.”

If the town is granted the status of a Main Street community, a Main Street manager will be hired to come into town and help with development, Dennis said.

The Ferriday Downtown Revitalization Committee originated from a desire by local business owners and citizens to see Ferriday become more than just a drive-through town on the highway.

“Basically, the idea was started a few years ago to rebuild downtown Ferriday,” Liz Brooking said. “After a few years of working together, a formal organization was formed.”