LA CROSSE, Wis. – A downtown business district here will receive new life thanks to the creation of a $5 million loan pool by area credit unions and banks. The $113 million Community Credit Union and $468 million Altra Federal Credit Union along with 10 banks, created the low-interest loan pool. The loans range from $10,000 to $250,000 and can be used for such things as landscaping and parking lot improvements, remodeling, creating low- to moderate-income housing, lighting and signage. Bud Miyamoto, executive director of Downtown Mainstreet Inc., told attendees at the organization's May 8 annual meeting that the loan pool will be a catalyst for revitalization and future projects. The 10 banks also involved in the effort are Wells Fargo, State Bank of La Crosse, Coulee Bank, U.S. Bank, M&I Bank, Associated Bank, Fortress Bank, Merchants Bank, River Bank and Citizen's State Bank.