| Block
grant awarded for Hall upgrades
Congratulations to the City of Cottonwood for being the recipient of an Idaho Community Development Block Grant! The block grant monies of $150,000 will go towards the renovation of the Community Hall, projected to begin summer of 2009. City officials have been working closely with Prairie Horizons and Clearwater Economic Development Association to finalize details of the work plan and budget for the nearly $350,000 remodel. This is a very large amount of money however a large part of this amount is contingency money. Contingency money is figured in for things that might come up during the building process that has to be done but was not planned for. With the help of all the local volunteers (NICI) who will help with demolition work and some labor we feel that we are going to be able to bring the cost down to a manageable amount. City officials will continue working with USKH Architects of Lewiston to complete designs on the Hall. If you have suggestions or questions please stop by and talk with us, remember this is your community hall and we want you to have a say in what is done to the hall. We have had people ask if we can increase the size of the kitchen, and that is possible but to do this we would have to move walls and that would increase the cost of the total project. We are trying to do the most we can with the least amount of money possible and yet have the best outcome. It was suggested that we add on to the hall, another wonderful idea however this would cut into the parking area and would also increase the cost. We are increasing the counter area in the kitchen and arranging the appliances so the whole kitchen will be more efficient. The Community Hall Renovation Project has had remarkable community support from local businesses and individuals alike. This overwhelming community support has made it possible for the City to pursue the block grant funds. The following local businesses and organizations have made financial and in-kind commitments or cash donations in support of the project: Archie’s Cleaners, Arnzen’s Building Construction, Camas Prairie Insurance, Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce, Cottonwood Community Library, Gem Builders, Hoene Hardware, Law Office of Summer Emmert, North Idaho Correctional Institute Pacific Cabinets, Prairie Horizons, St. Gertrude’s Monastery, Summit Utility Contractors, Xi Beta Rho THANK YOU to the individuals who have made cash donations towards the project. We will be listing the names in the paper in the next few weeks. We will also have a donor’s wall that will show all these names. Prairie Horizons and the City of Cottonwood will continue the cash donation drive through the duration of the project. Cash, as well as in-kind donations of labor and supplies are still needed to make this undertaking a community success. If you or your organization would like to make a contribution, please contact Carol Altman at City Hall, 962-3231. Horizons volunteers will also be hosting a Fundraising Dinner event at the Community Hall later this spring. Horizons will continue the very popular “Movies on the Wall” Series and the second annual “Dutch Oven Cook-Off” at the Idaho County Fair this summer to further raise funds for this very important project. Please stay tuned for more information on these upcoming community events. |
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