KDSN RADIO News
Wellness Center August Deadline Begins
Fundraising for the Wellness Center continues as the deadlines for state grants change. Wellness Center Chairman Tim Stuart said pledges are coming from individuals, organizations, and businesses. “I’m happy to announce that we have achieved 63% funding for the project. So we continue to make inroads day by day, week by week, but as I’ve stated before we’re still climbing the mountain.” The Wellness Center Committee has received an update from the State of Iowa that there is more time to apply for the Commercial Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Grant Program, but funds must reach 70% instead of the June deadline of 65%. To apply for the competitive CAT Grant, which could award up to one million dollars to the project, 70% of the funds must be raised by August. “So 18 plus million dollar project we still have a ways to go. And again, want to thank all those that have stepped forward to pledge monies toward this project. I guess I could mention that our typical pledge is a three-year pledge.” Stuart said they hope to get started with dirt work late this year and that the bulk of construction would be in 2024 and 2025 with an early opening date of late 2025. “And we have to be open by June of ’26 in order to work with these federal funds through the CARES Act funding that we’re being awarded through the state, the city, the county, et cetera. So that’s the long and short of where we’re at.” Stuart added that Wellness Center Committee members will be meeting with soccer clubs in Denison at the end of June and in July to answer any questions they have about the project and secure more pledges. The Wellness Center Committee and HGM, the architects for the Wellness Center, are preparing construction and bid documents that should be finalized later this year.
(Photo Courtesy of the Crawford County Recreation & Wellness Committee Facebook Page)
