DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver today announced a $135,000 River Enhancement Community Attraction and Tourism (RECAT) grant to Waterloo. A part of the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative, RECAT designed to provide financial assistance to communities in their effort to reinvent and reinvigorate their riverfronts, and today’s grant was the first one under the program. The grant was approved by the Vision Iowa Board at their meeting today in Des Moines.

The Board also approved $270,000 in Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grants to projects in Walcott and Fontanelle. During Fiscal year 2010, funding for both RECAT and CAT comes from the Culver/Judge I-JOBS initiative.

“Whether a Iowan or a visitor, all will be able to enjoy the rejuvenated riverfront in Waterloo,” said Governor Culver. “I want to congratulate the city of Waterloo on being the first recipient of I-JOBS RECAT funds, as well as Walcott and Fontanelle for their awards through the CAT program.  These funds will help revitalize our communities while making needed investments in our economy.”

“Rivers are one of Iowa’s great assets so we’re thrilled to be making our first RECAT award,” said Vision Iowa Board Chairwoman Regenia Bailey. “We look forward to partnering with other communities to reinvigorate their riverfronts.”

The Culver/Judge I-JOBS program will invest $830 million over the next two years to create and retain jobs, strengthen the economy, recover from last year’s natural disasters, and improve Iowa’s infrastructure. The funds will be used to upgrade Iowa’s roads and bridges, invest in renewable energy projects, improve water quality, and upgrade public facilities such as the Iowa Veterans Home. I-JOBS is funded with existing gaming revenue, meaning no increase in taxes.

The following projects were approved for grants awarded from the I-JOBS River Enhancement Community Attraction and Tourism (RECAT) Fund:

Mark’s Park and Performance Structure - Waterloo
Total Project Cost: $1,052,000
Amount Requested: $185,000
Amount Awarded: $135,000

This project includes Mark’s Park, a 4,200-square-foot family friendly park with play equipment and splash features over looking the Cedar River, and a performance structure which will turn a 15,000-square-foot Amphitheatre into a true stage for concerts, shows and exhibitions.

This award is contingent upon the completion of fundraising in 90 days.

The following projects were approved for grants awarded from the I-JOBS Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Fund:

Walcott Recreational Trail & Nature Park - Walcott
Total Project Cost: $1,200,318
Amount Requested: $220,000
Amount Awarded: $220,000

This project will transform 11.5 acres of the impaired Mud Creek watershed into a viable wetland ecosystem, creating an outdoor nature and discovery center showcasing natural resources enhancement and natural aquatic filtration techniques to improve water quality. In addition, a multi-purpose hard surface trail will wind through the park.

This award is contingent upon the completion of fundraising in 90 days. Project construction must start by July 1, 2010.

Fontanelle Public Library Expansion - Fontanelle
Total Project Cost: $364,534
Amount Requested: $50,000
Amount Awarded: $50,000

This project will expand the existing library from 2,480 to 4,820 square feet. It also includes rehabilitating the existing building to make it contiguous with the addition.

This award is contingent upon the completion of fundraising in 120 days and basic Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Project construction must start prior to June 30, 2010.

The Vision Iowa Program provides financial incentives to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa. During FY2010, Governor Culver signed legislation that funded Vision Iowa grants through I-JOBS, the Culver/Judge Administration’s $830 million infrastructure investment and job creation initiative.

Currently, 327 CAT awards have been granted by the board, totaling $120,768,405. One RECAT grant, totaling $135,000, has been awarded. The next Vision Iowa Board meeting is scheduled for January 13 in Des Moines.

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NOTE TO MEDIA – Vision Iowa Board Chairwoman Regenia Bailey is available for comment regarding these projects. Contact Jessica O’Riley at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to arrange.