Bringing businesses and customers to the Rail City.

St. Albans has been under construction lately, working on growing its economy. Congressman Peter Welch paid a visit Friday, to see how tax dollars are being spent.

“What I see walking on the street, a lot of citizens have a bounce in their step. A lot of optimism here in St. Albans,” Rep. Welch said. “It’s remarkable what is happening in this magnificent northern Vermont community.”

The congressman says he’s working to bring more Vermont taxpayer dollars back to the city. The St. Albans City Manager Dominic Cloud says the public, so far, has invested about $16 million for redevelopment. The money has gone to a number of projects, such as sprucing up the streetscapes. The tax base is expected to grow to about $70 million, including private investments.

“A huge transformation. Part of it has been founded on economic development. We’re bringing investment, businesses and jobs to the community,” Mayor Liz Gamche said.

The development is drawing some new shop owners to main street, including Karen Scheffler. She opened the Catalyst Coffee Bar 16 days ago.

“With the beautiful streetscape that happened a few years ago, I mean it’s just been really, really cool to come into the city,” Scheffler said.

The private and public partnership in the city is what Congressman Welch says is helping grow the downtown.

“It’s not about competition it’s about cooperation. It’s like, if you talk to people downtown who are in different businesses, they want their other businesses to succeed. Because success begets success,” Rep. Welch said.

Officials say these efforts are all in the hopes to bring more people to their city.

“I’m already seeing it, people coming to the area to experience something new,” Scheffler said.

Voters in St. Albans authorized a TIF fund for the city to continue development efforts. The fund, the city manager tells Local 22/Local 44 is about $40 million.