Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Money would help with pool costs
With pipes, framework and other equipment in place, Hartley's pool is looking less like a simple hole in the ground by the day.
Hartley officials are hoping to win big money for its big pool project.
The city council on Monday authorized City Administrator Erica Haack to apply for Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Program Funding for the pool project. CAT is administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and assists projects that provide recreational, cultural, entertainment and educational attractions in Iowa communities, as well as sports tourism.
Haack said the city is applying for $375,000.
"A lot of pool projects are the recipient of this grant as well as other recreation projects," she explained. "I know a lot of communities are applying this year."
Construction of Hartley's new pool is underway at Neebel Park. The $3 million project is being financed by a bond issue, grants and donations. As of Wednesday morning, $175,222 has been raised so far.
Haack expected to hear back about the grant application's fate within the next 2-3 months. The Iowa Legislature has allocated $5 million for CAT projects this year.
"I really hope we get it," said Council Member Mary Westphalen.
According to the IEDA's website, other CAT-funded projects in O'Brien County include: Sheldon, lodge at Sheldon Crossing and aquatic center; Sutherland, R.L. Johannsen Community Center; Sanborn, aquatic center; Northwest Iowa Community College, Northwest Iowa Lifelong Learning & Recreation Center; O'Brien County Conservation Board, Prairie Hertage Center.
