Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Governor Culver Announces Three Vision Iowa Awards For Clarion, Story City And Wellman
(Des Moines) The Vision Iowa Board approved $1,095,780 in grants for a library expansion in Clarion, a new museum building in Story City and an activity center in Wellman at today’s meeting in Johnston.
“I am pleased to announce new Vision Iowa awards for Clarion, Story City and Wellman,” said Governor Chet Culver. “These projects fit well with our initiatives to sustain Iowa’s reputation as an educational leader and to promote active, healthy lifestyles.”
“The design of the Clarion library addition flows seamlessly into the existing structure,” said Vision Iowa Board Chairman Andy Anderson. “They’ve successfully designed for the future while respecting their town’s history.”
The following projects were approved for grants awarded from the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Fund:
Clarion Public Library Expansion
Total Project Cost: $1,648,731
Amount Requested: $ 271,556
Amount Awarded: $ 250,000
This project will double the size of the existing historic Carnegie-style facility. The expansion will allow for more space to house the library’s extensive publication collection, more room for youth and young adult programming and additional computer access points. Other features include a larger community meeting room, increased genealogy research space and improved handicapped accessibility. This award is contingent upon the completion of fundraising in 90 days.
Carriage House Museum – Story City
Total Project Cost: $371,522
Amount Requested: $ 45,780
Amount Awarded: $ 45,780
This project includes the construction of a new building next to the Bartlett House Museum. The Carriage House Museum will serve as the Story County Historical Society’s center of collection exhibition and storage. Main level exhibits will focus on the people and events that made the community and surrounding area. A second level loft will provide space for research, genealogy exploration and special exhibits. The building will have a full basement for storage, conservation and construction of displays. The building environment will provide conditions appropriate for archival-safe storage and displays to ensure the preservation of the collections. The main level will offer a community room for public events, meetings and classes.
Parkside Activity Center – Wellman
Total Project Cost: $5,300,875
Amount Requested: $1,060,175
Amount Awarded: $ 800,000
The Parkside Activity Center, a 38,400 square-foot, two-level facility, will offer health and fitness areas, an indoor track, community room space and licensed child care on site. This award is contingent upon the completion of fundraising in 120 days and the execution of a 28E agreement.
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, 279 CAT awards have been granted by the board, totaling $94,203,216. The next Vision Iowa Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 12 in Des Moines. For more information, visit www.visioniowa.org.