Cloud County Commission Approves Wind Farm Grant Projects Totaling $305,800
The Cloud County Commission met on Monday, April 22nd and awarded 23 projects funding support through the Meridian Way Wind Farm dollars provided each year by EDP Renewables.
This year, Cloud County received 32 applications totaling more than $666,000 from North Central Kansas organizations interested in receiving support through the Meridian Way Wind Farm dollars provided each year by EDP Renewables. The funds are to be used to support innovative projects that enhance quality of life, prosperity, and safety of the citizens of Cloud County by creating additional educational, recreational, social, health, community development, and economic opportunities for them and for existing and new businesses in Cloud County.
Get in the Cloud Small Business Grant Program - $150,000
The Get in the Cloud grant program is an aggressive approach to recruiting small business in Cloud County. The Get in the Cloud grant funds are intended to encourage economic development in Cloud County, while increasing the property value of existing structures or land. In 2023, CloudCorp had six businesses awarded Get in the Cloud funding.
The Get in the Cloud grant fund provides competitive grants and mentoring support for new and existing businesses. Entrepreneurs who successfully complete the educational component and who own an existing business located in Cloud County or are developing a business concept they intend to locate in Cloud County will be eligible to apply for a one time grant per taxing entity of 50% of start-up costs or $50,000, whichever is less, to fund eligible expenses. Existing businesses are eligible if they can show increased sales/customer base from an addition to their current facility.
Administration of the program is provided by CloudCorp. The decision to award the funds rests solely with the CloudCorp Get in the Cloud grant committee, with final approval of the awardee slate by the Cloud County Commission. While reviewing applications, the committee also takes into consideration how the new business or expansion will impact sales tax generation and whether it will create new jobs.
The Get in the Cloud grant has been funded since 2014. In that time, $1,434,083.99 has been awarded to 60 projects, with total project input costs of over $6.8 million, improving the quality of life for residents in Cloud County. They currently are waiting for three of the businesses to submit invoices for the 2023 cycle.
Application for the Get in the Cloud grant program may be open multiple times a year upon availability of funds. Specific dates are announced. Applications are not accepted outside of the published cycles.
City of Jamestown - $20,000
The City of Jamestown was awarded $20,000 to assist in the purchase of a new tractor that will allow the public works department to safely and efficiently clear roadways and offer safe travel during inclement weather. The tractor will also be used by employees for regular maintenance and event preparation.
City of Glasco - $20,000
The City of Glasco received $20,000 to assist in the cost of purchasing a new quick response fire truck capable of holding 300 gallons of water. Total estimated cost of the truck is $101,500. The new truck will replace a 1958 international fire truck that is nearing the end of its usefulness.
City of Miltonvale - $10,000
The City of Miltonvale was awarded $10,000 to support a community-build replacement playground for Tootle Park. In 2002, the Miltonvale community built a playground project in five days with donations and community help. The project has lasted 21 years. The playground needs to be replaced with longer lasting composite materials. An estimated cost for a replacement playground with similar square footage is between $325,000 to $450,000.
Concordia Senior Center - $10,000
The Concordia Senior Center received $10,000 to repair their back delivery/parking lot. The senior center has received a quote from Mike Loeffler of Concordia for material and labor to remove and haul off the back concrete parking area, haul in fill sand to bring to grade, install 1/2" rebar 2' on centers and pour concrete back 5 1/2" thick with fiber mesh in concrete, as well as replace four curb stops and replace 65' of down spouts, extending them down to the alleyway.
USD 333 Concordia Education Fund - $5,000
The USD 333 Concordia Education Fund was awarded $5,000 for a multi-use area at Concordia Middle School. In 2023, USD 333 Concordia used capital outlay funding to add a concrete surface east of Concordia Middle School with open recreation space, basketball goals and tetherball. Kim Muff, Concordia Education Fund Director, says USD 333 Concordia is committed to finish this community space but is trying to limit the burden to taxpayers. USD 333 Concordia is actively pursuing grant funding for this project and has received a $65,000 public grant, as well as a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Cloud County. They are also seeking donors to contribute toward this project. The all-season surface will be secured with a fence for safety, and open to the public anytime school programming is not in session.
POW Camp Concordia Preservation Society - $5,000
POW Camp Concordia Preservation Society received $5,000 to do restoration work to a rare 1944 World War II Amphibious Jeep. The vehicle, which has been given to POW Camp Concordia, is currently in Sheridan, Montana with David Welch, owner of Ramshorn Creek Restorations. POW Camp Concordia has been given several memorials to fund the restoration and has also received money from the Community Foundation for Cloud County to help fund this project. Once the vehicle is restored and returned to Concordia, POW Camp Concordia Preservation Society believes the vehicle will bring many history enthusiasts, World War II researchers, students and teachers, travelers and visitors to Concordia and Cloud County.
Concordia Hurricanes Swim Team - $5,000
The City of Concordia in collaboration with the Concordia Hurricanes Swim Team was awarded $5,000 to replace eight dive blocks at the Concordia Municipal Swimming Pool. Dive blocks are used to provide an elevated dive platform, allowing a stronger dive at the start of each race. Dive blocks also provide swimmers performing the backstroke to start the proper form. The current dive blocks are set in place during Swim Team practices and meets. Single-post receiver anchors are set into the concrete deck. Dive block posts slide into the anchors for use. Over the years, these anchors and posts have deteriorated through normal wear, weathering, and exposure to chemicals from the water, making them more difficult to anchor in place and to remain steady while swimmers climb onto them and prepare to dive into the water. At a total project cost of $30,000, the parent-run Concordia Hurricanes Swim Team, which provides opportunities for area youth ages 6 to 18 to gain confidence in swimming in a competitive yet recreational Kansas-Nebraska Swim League, hopes to replace all eight dive blocks with single-post dive blocks and new anchors.
Concordia Youth Football Team - $5,000
The Concordia Youth Football Team received $5,000 to replace game-day uniforms for the fourth, fifth and sixth grade youth. New uniforms have not been purchased in the last ten years. Total cost to the team for 50 new uniforms would be $110 each for jersey and game day pants for a grand total of $5,500.
Guardians of the St. Joseph Church Foundation - $5,000
The Guardians of the St. Joseph Church Foundation in St. Joe, Kansas received $5,000 to support continued preservation/restoration of the historic St. Joseph Church. The Guardians have developed a three-part project, in consultation with a contractor, with the goal of making crucial repairs to ensure long-term preservation of the church and to encourage more use of the facility. The project consists of repairing plaster, painting the main alter and two side altars, painting the ceiling and walls, and removing existing flooring and installing engineered wood flooring. Total estimated cost of the project is $143,826.
Saron Baptist and Danish Lutheran Church Association - $5,000
The Saron Baptist and Danish Lutheran Church Association received $5,000 to help fund general repair work to preserve the two churches. In their application, the two churches that are under one board, said the upkeep and the preservation of the historical churches is important to many in Cloud County. The Saron Baptist Church is 150-years-old and the Danish Lutheran Church is nearing 120-years-old.
Brown Grand Theatre - $4,000
The Brown Grand Theatre was awarded $4,000 to restore the backstage staircase leading up to three frequently used dressing rooms, and to add a hot water line from a backstage restroom to the utility sink used by their janitorial staff. The backstage staircase gets used frequently; however, it is not as safe or secure. Several steps at the bottom of the staircase have broken boards and bow when walked on. The Brown Grand Theatre will work closely with Past to Present Construction to replace the steps that are broken and ensure the safety of this passage to three dressing rooms on the second floor. Over time, the building has settled causing the stairs to become unlevel, making it hard to navigate when walking up or down the steps. In addition, Wall to Wall Carpet and Interior has agreed to donate carpet and materials to replace the old carpet that will be pulled off the staircase. The Brown Grand Theatre will be responsible for paying installation costs of the new carpet.
The utility sink project will include furnishing and installing a new hot and cold faucet to the existing sink. The Brown Grand will also tap the existing hot waterline to run hot water from the adjacent restroom sink to the utility sink. There is currently no hot water running to the utility sink. Adding hot water to the utility sink will enable the Brown Grand Theatre to continue its measures to be a safe, clean and professional facility.
9/11 Tribute Heroes Weekend - $3,000
The 9/11 Tribute Heroes Weekend, scheduled for Friday, September 13th and Saturday, September 14th at the Cloud County Fairgrounds in Concordia received $3,000. According to the application, the weekend is to honor military members, veterans and first responders and to educate the community on the sacrifices made by all following the shocking events of September 11, 2001 when nearly 3,000 people were killed in terrorist attacks on the United States. The 9/11 Tribute Heroes Weekend will include live music from DJ Bridwell and Dylan Bloom, a cornhole tournament, and more.
USD 224 Clifton-Clyde - $2,000
The USD 224 Clifton-Clyde School Age Program was awarded $2,000 to support a summer school age program for students currently enrolled in pre-K through 5th grade. The program is licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. According to their application, the Clifton-Clyde School Age Program needs assistance with start-up supplies, such as games, arts and crafts, and more, as well as assistance with summer field trip expenses for the children to attend local swimming pools, the Flint Hills Discovery Center, SkyZone, and the Rolling Hills Zoo and Museum. They also hope to continue the program into the school year to assist parents with after school care from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm each day.
NCK CASA & Hope's Place Child Advocacy Center - $2,000
North Central Kansas CASA & Hope's Place Child Advocacy Center was awarded $2,000 to upgrade specific areas within their office. NCK CASA is hoping to replace the carpet and paint the four walls of the reception area, as well as replace the carpet in its forensic interview room. Wall to Wall Carpeting has generously offered to donate in-stock carpet, however NCK CASA will still have the cost of installation. NCK CASA also needs to replace two chairs in the Child Advocacy Family Room.
Cloud County Historical Society Museum - $2,000
The Cloud County Historical Society Museum received $2,000 to reinstall loose window gaskets, caulk areas where gaskets have shrunk, remove several windows to repair gaskets behind the glass and reinstall, and caulk the perimeter of aluminum windows. The damaged gaskets are allowing water to cause damage to the facility.
Glasco VFW Post 7697 - $1,800
The Glasco VFW Post 7697 received $1,800 to replace the existing ceiling and lighting in the dining area. The project is part of their ongoing process to make the building, home to many meals, dances, weddings, funerals, craft shows and meetings, more modern and energy efficient. Total estimated cost of the project is $5,000.
Cloud County Genealogical Society - $1,000
The Cloud County Genealogical Society was awarded $1,000 to purchase a computer equipped with genealogy software to allow members to efficiently research, document and organize genealogical data. With a computer and appropriate software, members can collaborate more effectively on genealogical projects. They can share research findings, collaborate on family tree construction, and coordinate efforts to collect and verify genealogical data. A computer equipped with presentation software can be used for creating and delivering engaging presentations, enhancing the society's educational outreach efforts.
Jamestown City Library - $500
The Jamestown City Library was awarded $500 to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programming. According to their application, STEM education fosters resilience in a learner, not only making them more employable but preparing them for whatever life throws their way. STEM also encourages risk-taking and innovation, builds creativity, teamwork and empathy towards others, and helps learners become comfortable using technology as a tool from an early age, preparing them for the future by meeting the needs of the labor market.
The Cloud County Commission also voted Monday to appropriate $20,000 to the Cloud County Recycling Center and $20,000 to Cloud County Emergency Preparedness to aid in minimizing the impact of their operational costs to the county's general fund.
The commission also approved $5,000 to the Cloud County Fair Board to support a fair carnival.
And the commission voted to approve funding the Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) program at $4,500. In June 2019, the commissioners approved a resolution funding the ROZ student loan repayment program at $4,500 per year for five years. The $4,500 can fund three employees per year.