Thursday, August 09, 2007
Governor Culver Announces 5 Projects Receiving Grants At Vision Iowa Board Meeting
Board Approved $552,765 in Grants to Projects Across the State
DES MOINES, Iowa – The Vision Iowa Board approved $552,765 in grants to projects located in Bellevue, Aurelia and North Liberty, plus Adams and Madison Counties at today’s board meeting in Johnston.
“What I continue to love about Iowa is the passion and dedication Iowans have for continuing to improve the quality of life in our state,” said Governor Chet Culver. “The Vision Iowa program’s greatest strength is the assistance it provides to all communities, but especially to the smaller ones, to create projects that increase the quality of life opportunities available to Iowans.”
“The amount and quality of the Lake Icaria improvements will allow many more people to take advantage of southwest Iowa’s wonderful natural resources,” said Vision Iowa Board Chairman Andy Anderson. “We believe these enhancements will help the campground draw even more campers from the tri-state area.”
The following projects were approved for grants awarded from the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Fund:
Walkways for Life – Bellevue
Total Project Cost: $ 426,725
Amount Requested: $ 188,568
Amount Awarded: $ 130,000
This project includes two components: upgrading the pedestrian transportation system in the city’s commercial area and constructing a half-mile compacted lime trail parallel to scenic Mill Creek. The upgrades will include installing period streetlights and receptacles on each block, rehabilitating the downtown sidewalks and improving the landscaping. They are intended to correct safety and access issues while also presenting a finished décor that maintains the historical ambience of the area.
This award is contingent upon fundraising being completed in 90 days.
Aurelia Community Center – City of Aurelia
Total Project Cost: $ 1,109,781
Amount Requested: $ 351,143
Amount Awarded: $ 225,000
This project includes the construction of a 7,680 square foot facility complete with a large meeting hall, legion room, kitchen, bar and storage room. The City will demolish the existing building and construct the new community center in its place.
This award is contingent upon fundraising being completed in 90 days.
North Liberty Welcome and History Center
Total Project Cost: $ 530,000
Amount Requested: $ 141,000
Amount Awarded: $ 50,000
This project is the adaptive reuse of a 1908 Victorian-style house as a Welcome Center and History Center. Major improvements will include geothermal heating and cooling, a 20 kilowatt wind turbine, a 24’ octagon pavilion for city events, a 14’x14’gazebo for outdoor seating in the garden area, restoration of gardens to original flora with heirloom plants typical of the period and parking for community center activities.
This award, specifically for the gazebo and garden portions, is contingent upon fundraising being completed in 90 days.
Lake Icaria Campground and Cabins – Adams County
Total Project Cost: $ 417,031
Amount Requested: $ 47,765
Amount Awarded: $ 47,765
This project includes major recreational enhancements to the Adams County Lake Icaria Campground and Cabins. The improvements include constructing six park cabins, upgrading 19 electrical campsites to full service sites, constructing 13 new electrical sites, reconstructing the 25 site tent camping area, installing a camper dump station, replacing two camper check-in stations and remodeling several public restrooms.
This award is contingent upon fundraising being completed in 90 days.
Francis & Thelma Jackson Commemorative Building – Winterset
Total Project Cost: $ 742,847
Amount Requested: $ 100,000
Amount Awarded: $ 100,000
This 9,000 square foot building on the Madison County Fairgrounds will include a kitchen and dining room, modern communication and presentation equipment, two small conference rooms, portable staging and open seating for up to 400 people. The project will also include a finished parking area and fully ADA compliant restrooms.
This award is contingent upon fundraising being completed in 90 days.
The Vision Iowa Program and the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Program provide financial incentives to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa. Currently, 278 CAT awards have been granted by the board, totaling $89,720,436. The next Vision Iowa Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 12 in Decorah. For more information, go to www.visioniowa.org.