Museum awaits word on Vision Iowa grant request
But city's museum grant request still hangs in the balance
By Charlotte Eby Journal Des Moines Bureau | Posted: Thursday, December 11, 2008
DES MOINES -- The Vision Iowa board on Wednesday morning put off considering several grant applications, including one for the Sioux City Public Museum, because the money had been diverted to the state's flood relief efforts.
But by Wednesday afternoon, a spokesman for Gov. Chet Culver said the $1.9 million transferred from the Community Attractions and Tourism, or CAT, grant program this week would be returned.
Culver moved the money from the CAT program in September to help with flood relief. Another $12 million was moved from the River Enhancement Community Attraction and Tourism program for flood relief as well.
Culver spokesman Troy Price said Culver had promised to give the money back to the CAT program when it was transferred.
"This is something we've been working on," Price said.
Vision Iowa board chairman Andy Anderson expressed surprise when informed that the money was expected to be transferred back this week. Earlier in the day, the board members had tabled action on a slate of pending applications until they knew whether the money would be available.
"It will give us some more opportunity to do a couple more good projects, and that's great," Anderson said.
The Siouxland Heritage Foundation is seeking a $4 million CAT grant to renovate the former JCPenney building in downtown Sioux City for new quarters for the Sioux City Public Museum.
In addition to exhibition space, the grant application says the project would include public meeting space, a museum store, children's areas, outdoor green space, a museum plaza and other features.
Museum director Steve Hansen said he remains optimistic that the state will appropriate all or a good share of the money.
"We understand it might not be to the extent that we wanted. We think we had a solid application," he said.
If the money is not forthcoming, Hansen said, "We would have to scale back. Our Vision Iowa application was for a first-class museum. Our plans wouldn't be as expansive as we would want it to be. Overall, we have over $8 million raised to date. ... We also know the Legislature has made a five-year commitment to the (Vision Iowa) program."
Current plans call for construction to start next year, with the museum ready to open in 2010. The total project cost is estimated at $17.3 million, including the value of the downtown building, which was donated by the city.
Journal staff writer Lynn Zerschling contributed to this report.
CAT funding uncertain
The Siouxland Heritage Foundation's grant request for the Sioux City Pubic Museum is one of several from around the state that, in total, equal far more than the $1.9 million available for this year. Future funding for the CAT program also is uncertain.
Gov. Chet Culver's spokesman Troy Price said Culver and Lt. Gov. Patty Judge are still reviewing budget options and are expected to announce their proposal early next year. New funding for CAT would also have to be approved by the Legislature, which faces a tight budget situation when state lawmakers convene next month.
-- Charlotte Eby
But by Wednesday afternoon, a spokesman for Gov. Chet Culver said the $1.9 million transferred from the Community Attractions and Tourism, or CAT, grant program this week would be returned.
Culver moved the money from the CAT program in September to help with flood relief. Another $12 million was moved from the River Enhancement Community Attraction and Tourism program for flood relief as well.
Culver spokesman Troy Price said Culver had promised to give the money back to the CAT program when it was transferred.
"This is something we've been working on," Price said.
Vision Iowa board chairman Andy Anderson expressed surprise when informed that the money was expected to be transferred back this week. Earlier in the day, the board members had tabled action on a slate of pending applications until they knew whether the money would be available.
"It will give us some more opportunity to do a couple more good projects, and that's great," Anderson said.
The Siouxland Heritage Foundation is seeking a $4 million CAT grant to renovate the former JCPenney building in downtown Sioux City for new quarters for the Sioux City Public Museum.
In addition to exhibition space, the grant application says the project would include public meeting space, a museum store, children's areas, outdoor green space, a museum plaza and other features.
Museum director Steve Hansen said he remains optimistic that the state will appropriate all or a good share of the money.
"We understand it might not be to the extent that we wanted. We think we had a solid application," he said.
If the money is not forthcoming, Hansen said, "We would have to scale back. Our Vision Iowa application was for a first-class museum. Our plans wouldn't be as expansive as we would want it to be. Overall, we have over $8 million raised to date. ... We also know the Legislature has made a five-year commitment to the (Vision Iowa) program."
Current plans call for construction to start next year, with the museum ready to open in 2010. The total project cost is estimated at $17.3 million, including the value of the downtown building, which was donated by the city.
Journal staff writer Lynn Zerschling contributed to this report.
CAT funding uncertain
The Siouxland Heritage Foundation's grant request for the Sioux City Pubic Museum is one of several from around the state that, in total, equal far more than the $1.9 million available for this year. Future funding for the CAT program also is uncertain.
Gov. Chet Culver's spokesman Troy Price said Culver and Lt. Gov. Patty Judge are still reviewing budget options and are expected to announce their proposal early next year. New funding for CAT would also have to be approved by the Legislature, which faces a tight budget situation when state lawmakers convene next month.
-- Charlotte Eby
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