Published 1/23/2002 4:01 PM

HARAHAN, La., Jan. 23 (UPI) -- The National Association of Cities launched its Building America program Wednesday, affording smaller cities, towns and villages a sprawling Web site and a chance to cast about for new business.

In addition, citizens can use it for suggestions or complaints to their city government, and there is a section where businesses can advertise their services. Citizens of a town will also be able to communicate with governmental departments and each other.

Information can include everything from a schedule of recreational events to tips from the fire department.

"Building America is America's largest community bulletin board -- I think the largest in the world," said Kerry Lauricella of the National Association of Cities.

It starts with city officials who will be able to provide basic information about the cities and towns such as addresses and telephone numbers. But the hope is the list of sought-after businesses will provide a company that wants to expand or more information on what communities want them.

"Building America will help strengthen America's economy from a local level and give citizens and small businesses an easier way to communicate with their government," Lauricella said. "Our goal is to give America's small municipalities the benefits of the large cities, without sacrificing the small-town atmosphere that we share."

The program is funded by national corporate sponsors, local businesses and municipalities. Corporate sponsors also provide other resources.

MasterCard is helping to fund the National Association of Cities's economic development program with its Building America MasterCard. General Electric is providing an emergency preparedness program. Mutual of America is assisting municipalities with employee retirement programs.

"The Building America Program allows smaller and midsize municipalities to share ideas and practices which can make their operations safer for employees and citizens alike," said Brad Johnson of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., which is offering risk management ideas and insurance solutions.

"Such efforts can lead to more stable insurance premiums at a time when most cities face significant increases in the cost of providing services," Johnson said.

The National Association of Cities was established in 1999 to assist America's smaller municipalities with populations of 50,000 or less. Headquartered in Harahan, it represents more than 5,000 municipalities.

The Building America Web site is located at buildingamerica.org.