Recently awarded revitalization funds have made West Jefferson a safer tourist destination for locals and guests alike. Work recently wrapped up on the sidewalk installation project on the Backstreet. The last stage of the project began three weeks ago. The project also included the installation of an additional bump out/planter at Second Street with a seating area and a bump out at North Jefferson Ave. at First Baptist Church. Town aldermen discussed this issue at length during an August special meeting. The monies were awarded to the town by the Rural Economic Development Division of N.C. Department of Commerce.