Thursday, October 11, 2007
Governor Culver Announces Two New Vision Iowa Grants
DES MOINES – The Vision Iowa Board approved $1,020,000 in grants to projects located in Stuart and Iowa Falls at yesterday’s meeting in Johnston.
“Iowa has a rich heritage, and through today’s action by the Vision Iowa board, we are taking steps to preserve it,” said Governor Chet Culver. “By saving a historically significant building in Stuart and capitalizing on our agricultural strength in Iowa Falls, these communities are defending the past while building a brighter future for everyone.”
“The Stuart project is a wonderful story of triumph over tragedy,” said Vision Iowa Board Chairman Andy Anderson. “After a devastating fire, it would have been easy for citizens to give up on this building. Renovations will ensure that the former church will continue to serve the town. The dome component will be an incredible asset to the structure.”
Mason City’s Vision Iowa application, encompassing seven elements including the renovation and rehabilitation of the Park Inn Hotel and City National Bank, was moved to negotiations. The city has requested $9 million in funding.
The following projects were approved for grants awarded from the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Fund:
Stuart Entertainment & Economic Development Project - Stuart
Total Project Cost: $2,477,567
Amount Requested: $ 544,937
Amount Awarded: $ 545,000
The fire-damaged and partially-restored Historic All Saints building, formerly a church in the Byzantine style and now a meeting space, will be restored into a community cultural center able to hold up to 500 people for concerts, theater, meetings and weddings. It will also house the Institute of Religion and Peace, which seeks to promote awareness and understanding of the world’s religions in order to avoid the violent tragedy that befell the building.
This award is contingent upon the passage of the local bond referendum and the inclusion of the dome component to the restoration of the Historic All Saints building.
Equine Center Agricultural and Renewable Energy Center – Iowa Falls
Total Project Cost: $3,380,400
Amount Requested: $ 731,600
Amount Awarded: $ 475,000
The Ellsworth Community College Equine Center will offer a state-of-the-art arena with seating for 350 people, additional bleacher seating, plus announcer’s box for hosting contests, rodeos, clinics and expositions. The Center will also offer boarding stalls, large animal labs, washroom, tack room, changing area, vending area and restrooms.
This award is contingent upon the completion of fundraising in 120 days plus an additional $20,000 contribution from the Hardin County Board of Supervisors.
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, 283 CAT awards have been granted by the board, totaling $94,590,436. The next Vision Iowa Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 14 in Des Moines. For more information, go to www.visioniowa.org.