More than $2 million awarded to projects in Sheldon, Iowa County, Greenfield and Red Oak
Des Moines, IA – February 11, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Today, Governor Chet Culver announced $2,128,000 in grants to construct a learning and recreation center in Sheldon, a nature center in Iowa County, a sports complex in Greenfield and a library expansion in Red Oak. The state’s Vision Iowa Board approved the award at their meeting in Des Moines.
“These four projects will help create new attractions across our state while creating good jobs for Iowans,” said Governor Culver. “As these projects demonstrate, we can strengthen our economy while rebuilding our communities. I believe now is the time to invest in our state. I look forward to working with the legislature and all Iowans in the coming weeks as we focus our efforts on infrastructure, economic stimulus, and job creation, and continuing our work to rebuild Iowa.”
Governor Culver has made infrastructure investment one of his administration’s top priorities. This year, he has proposed a $700 million Iowa Infrastructure initiative, which will help create jobs and rebuild Iowa’s aging and often crumbling infrastructure without raising taxes on Iowans. The Governor’s plan will create thousands of jobs and help stimulate the economy at a time when the nation is in the midst of the worst national economic recession since the Great Depression.
“The new nature center will greatly benefit the citizens of Iowa County,” said Vision Iowa Board Chairman Andy Anderson. “Programming will give children and adults multiple opportunities to experience the great outdoors in both educational and fun ways.”
The Vision Iowa Board also released its Annual Report. The Board has directly leveraged nearly $343 million in awards into more than $1.7 billion of investment in Iowa. In the program’s eight years, investments have been made in 92 counties and 214 communities. The complete report can be found at www.visioniowa.org.
Additionally, Tammy Robinson of New Hampton was named the new Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Chairperson, replacing Cathy Reece who left the Board in December. Robinson has been a Vision Iowa Board and CAT Committee member since 2007.
The following projects were approved for grants awarded from the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Fund:
Northwest Iowa Lifelong Learning and Recreation Center – Sheldon
Total Project Cost: $6,138,134
Amount Requested: $1,362,813
Amount Awarded: $1,100,000
The 34,795-square-foot Northwest Iowa Lifelong Learning and Recreation Center will be located on the campus of the Northwest Iowa Community College, located about one mile west of the City of Sheldon. The facility will include a college-regulation multipurpose gymnasium, walking/running track, fitness facility, bath/locker facilities, cyber café, seminar rooms, office and convention trade show space plus reception area.
This award is contingent upon the completion of fundraising in 90 days and the building being certified as meeting basic LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) requirements.
Lake Iowa Nature Center Project – Iowa County
Total Project Cost: $1,107,166
Amount Requested: $ 428,166
Amount Awarded: $ 428,000
The 7,000-square-foot Lake Iowa Nature Center will contain an interactive and inter-changeable display area, meeting and office space, ADA compliant restrooms, a children’s corner, large classroom, field lab and severe weather shelter. The project also includes the construction of outdoor teaching spaces, wetland septic system interpretation trail, amphitheatre, historical forest, wildflower beds, oak-savanna habitat restoration and wildlife feeding stations. Additional trail extensions will be made to the pond and children’s animal homes trail.
This award is contingent upon the completion of fundraising in 90 days.
Sports Complex – Greenfield
Total Project Cost: $480,264
Amount Requested: $180,762
Amount Awarded: $180,000
The Sports Complex will consist of three soccer fields, three ball diamonds, a walking/bicycling path, and parking. Through an agreement with Adair County Health and Fitness Center, a concession stand and restrooms will be built at the south end of their building.
This award is contingent upon the completion of fundraising in 90 days.
Red Oak Public Library Expansion and Renovation – Red Oak
Total Project Cost: $2,046,765
Amount Requested: $ 420,000
Amount Awarded: $ 420,000
This award is contingent upon the completion of fundraising in 90 days.
This expansion and renovation project will add 2,900 square feet of much needed collections, program and meeting space to the historic Red Oak Public Library. The project will also make the building handicapped accessible by adding an elevator and upgrading restroom facilities. The new space will also allow the library to expand its high demand children’s programs and computer access.
The Vision Iowa Program provides financial incentives to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa. Currently, 308 CAT awards have been granted by the board, totaling $127,561,662. The next Vision Iowa Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, at Honey Creek Resort State Park in Moravia.
NOTE TO MEDIA – Vision Iowa Board Chairman Andy Anderson is available for comment regarding this project. To schedule a meeting time, contact Jessica O’Riley at 515.242.4754.
