Spencer City Council Hears Update On Environmental Learning Center Project
Spencer City Council Hears Update On Environmental Learning Center Project
January 18, 2022Steve Schwaller
The Spencer City Council Monday evening heard an update on plans to build the Oneota Environmental Learning Center. Will Horsley of the Clay County Conservation Board says the plans call for the facility to be constructed in Oneota Park…
“So our main objective with this learning center project is to complete a 8,000 square foot scholastic facility right here in Spencer, Iowa. We have procured a loan in the amount of $720,000 through the USDA. That is a Rural Economic Development loan and grant which will be channeled through SMU as well as Iowa Lakes Electric, and that is a strong portion of this project. Pre COVID this project did estimate out at $1.5 million, of course today we’re right at $2.1 million. So like any large scale project, funding and time are things that we’re doing our best to combat.”
And when it comes to fundraising, Horsley said they’re headed down the homestretch but still have a little ways to go…
“Private donations, we are right at $525,000. Local and regional grants, $420,00; the Rural Economic Development loan and grant in the amount of $720,000, and then the Clay County Conservation Board Capital Improvement Funds, just over half a million dollars. We have opened up every channel regarding funding, sources. We’re working with the National Wild Turkey Federation, the local Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, amongst many other local and state funding sources and we’re right on that cutting edge of making this thing happen.”
Horsley requested the city consider donating toward the project as they head into budget time. No action was taken on the matter Monday evening.
