Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Governor Culver Announces Three Vision Iowa Grants
$1,000,000 awarded to Projects in Algona, Mediapolis and Morning Sun
(Des Moines) Today, Governor Chet Culver announced $1,000,000 in grants for a recreation center expansion in Algona, an aquatic center in Mediapolis and a community center and art museum in Morning Sun. The state’s Vision Iowa Board approved the awards at their meeting in Waterloo today.
“As a result of these awards, the cities of Algona, Mediapolis and Morning Sun have bright opportunities to attract new visitors to their communities,” said Governor Chet Culver. “Everyone in the community benefits when we work together to build safe places for our children to play and our communities members to meet.”
“For Morning Sun, a town of less than 1,000, to take on an almost $1 million project and succeed is wonderful,” said Vision Iowa Board Chairman Andy Anderson. “The project will meet a current need for community meeting space, and the art gallery component will honor a talented native artist.”
The following projects were approved for grants awarded from the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Fund:
Make a Splash! Let’s Pool Together- Algona Family YMCA
Total Project Cost: $4,036,000
Amount Requested: $ 800,000
Amount Awarded: $ 700,000
This project includes the construction of an approximately 18,400 square-foot addition to the Algona Family YMCA which will include an indoor swimming pool, childcare nursery, fitness center, multipurpose room and conference meeting room. Renovations of about 2,700 square-feet will add or expand the weight room, family and special needs changing rooms and second floor restrooms.
This award is contingent upon the completion of fundraising in 180 days.
Mediapolis Swimming Pool Project - Mediapolis
Total Project Cost: $2,641,902
Amount Requested: $ 100,000
Amount Awarded: $ 100,000
This project will include the construction of a 6,600 square-foot pool with a water slide, tot slide, water drop, flow geyser and sand play area.
Morning Sun Community Center - Morning Sun
Total Project Cost: $998,546
Amount Requested: $200,000
Amount Awarded: $200,000
This project will include the construction of a 5,700 square-foot community center and art gallery. The community center will have two multipurpose spaces suitable for community events, meetings, private parties and receptions. The gallery will feature oil paintings by Morning Sun native Lora Rock.
This award is contingent upon the completion of fundraising in 180 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. Overall, 287 CAT awards have been granted by the board, totaling $96,486,780. The next Vision Iowa Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 2008 in Des Moines. For more information, visit www.visioniowa.org.
NOTE TO MEDIA –
Vision Iowa Board Chairman Andy Anderson is available for comment regarding each individual project. To schedule a meeting time, contact Jessica O’Riley at 515.242.4754.