Ameristar Casino executive Ray Neilsen presented the City of Vicksburg Monday with a $17,000 check to go toward beautification of the &#8220front door” to the city, Exit 1-A off Interstate 20.

Neilsen, who is the co-chairman and vice president of the Las Vegas-based company and calls Vicksburg home, offered up half of what it will take to beautify the 45-acre area, which is the entrance to Washington Street, where Ameristar sits.

The move to beautify the area began about four years ago when city officials looked into adopting the interchange. Using taxpayer’s dollars solely was not the way Mayor Laurence Leyens and his board wanted to fund the project.

At the same time, Neilsen had approached city landscape architect Jeff Richardson about the appearance of the exit.

&#8220We want to put out flowers and sprinklers – make this a first-class statement on Exit 1-A,” Leyens said. &#8220People look for a friendly exit. We have so much more to offer than Jackson. It’s important to start right at the front door.”

Neilsen, formerly general manager of the Vicksburg casino, has been instrumental in beautification efforts in that area. With the financial backing of the company, Neilsen has enhanced landscaping and bought property along the stretch from the Washington Street exit at Interstate 20 down to Confederate Avenue.

&#8220One of my major focuses as general manager was landscaping,” Neilsen said. &#8220We’ve spent a considerable amount and have worked with the city to keep plants alive. It’s been a really beneficial relationship.”

Neilsen and his wife, Nancy, who have funded several historic floodwall murals and sponsored various community events, gave personal dollars to fund this.

&#8220We loved this plan and want to see it grow and thrive,” he said. &#8220We want to be part of (Vicksburg’s) quiet renaissance.”

The plan for the beautification effort at the exit is for it to be visible from the Mississippi Welcome Center, which Neilsen hopes will bring more visitors to Vicksburg.

&#8220By giving this money, we feel like we’re giving a nicer impression,” he said.

Ameristar Casino was founded in 1954 in Jackpot, Nev., by Neilsen’s grandfather. His father, Craig H. Neilsen, ran the company until his death in 2006. The company’s holdings include seven casinos in four other markets, including St. Louis, Kansas City, Omaha and Denver.

After Neilsen presented the check, Leyens presented Richardson with a Scenic Community of Mississippi award, the second of its kind given by the state. The award recognizes Vicksburg as the City of the Year for a tree-planting program, for which the state gives grants. Since 2001, the city has spent about $3.5 million on landscaping, Leyens said.