Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Governor Culver Announces Two Vision Iowa Awards
Grants for Marshalltown and Northwood Enhance Iowa Outdoor Recreation and Quality of Life
(Des Moines) Today, Governor Chet Culver announced $628,564 in grants for a theater renovation in Marshalltown and a Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park and Shelter in Northwood. The state’s Vision Iowa Board approved the awards at today’s meeting in Johnston.
“Iowans continue to have great pride in their communities,” said Governor Chet Culver. “These awards will further enhance Iowa’s nationally-recognized quality of life amenities and provide new opportunities for outdoor recreation.”
“These are two more terrific projects,” said Vision Iowa Board Chairman Andy Anderson. “The Orpheum theater renovation in Marshalltown will be a great cultural asset to the community while the RV Park in Northwood will fulfill a need for camping spaces in northern Iowa and encourage people to spend more time in our state.”
The following projects were approved for grants awarded from the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Fund:
Orpheum Revitalization Project - Marshalltown
Total Project Cost: $2,657,568
Amount Requested: $ 625,000
Amount Awarded: $ 550,000
This project includes acquisition of land adjacent to the Orpheum; site development; restoration of the marquee, south façade, lobby and West Theater; and a complete renovation of the building’s interior including prop design, a new elevator and a new east entrance and patio.
This award is contingent upon the completion of fundraising in 120 days.
Northwood Recreational Vehicle Park and Shelter
Total Project Cost: $388,776
Amount Requested: $ 78,564
Amount Awarded: $ 78,564
This project includes the construction of a 10-site recreational vehicle park camping area including water, sewer and electrical hookups as well as picnic tables and fire rings. A multi-purpose shelter/bath house, which will serve as a storm shelter in the event of a tornado or severe weather, will also be built.
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, 281 CAT awards have been granted by the board, totaling $94,831,777. The next Vision Iowa Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 13 in Council Bluffs. For more information, visit www.visioniowa.org.