|
|
CCRTA hears about funding sources
Thursday, November 19, 2009
By Wendy B. Lynn Staff Writer
DUBOIS - The Clearfield County Recreation and Tourism Authority held its monthly meeting at the DuBois Diner yesterday and heard from Lisa Kovalick, Clearfield County community development specialist. One of the many things Kovalick helps municipalities and nonprofit associations with is applying for funding for various projects -tourism-related projects as well as other infrastructure and improvement projects that fit with the county's comprehensive plan.
She said one problem currently is the state of the commonwealth's budget and there isn't always money in traditional places right now, but there is money in other places and she is helping these groups find it. Often, a municipality or organization will have only one source in mind and not know there are other avenues to explore. She also helps these groups find matching funds and pointed out that they often don't know that they can use volunteer hours as in-kind matching.
"Lisa doesn't give herself enough credit," board member and Clearfield County Commissioner Joan Robinson McMillen said. "She works to improve the quality of life in this county. She is a real asset."
Kovalick said she offers workshops for municipalities and authorities to give information on the funding sources and other resources through her office and she is available for meetings.
CCRTA Director Sandy Fink Barrett presented a copy of the 2010 Travel Planner to the board. She said the corrections have been made and it is ready to be sent to the printer. She said it is officially behind schedule because eight additional pages had to be added. The office staff is already looking at the planner for 2011 and welcome any suggestions.
The Hotel Tax Committee reported on award recommendations for signage grants through CCRTA. Five applications were reviewed and three were awarded grant money: Bells and Whistles in Coalport, $2,000; Coalport Streetscape Committee, $3,000; and Super 322 Drive-In, $5,000. The other two requests were forwarded to the commissioners. The board approved the grant requests.
The board also agreed to have Barrett look into a certificate of deposit for $27,000 to create a prudent reserve for the tourism authority. Board member and Secretary/Treasurer Rita Hahn added that the board has long wanted to establish a reserve fund, but never set up a means to do it. She suggested that the board should add to the amount quarterly.
Barrett also showed the board an advertisement for a collectible rifle. The rifle is the result of a partnership between the Lumber Heritage Region and Rocky Mountain Firearms and features pictures representing the region on the rifle. She said the counties within the Lumber Heritage Region have been given the opportunity to have their own collectible guns created. She said CCRTA will not have to make an investment but would received $200 from each limited edition rifle, which would sell for approximately $2,500. The rifle would feature photos iconic of Clearfield County.
Board member Terry Malloy said he would agree to the idea only if a local dealer would be selling the rifles.
Only a very small number of the guns would be made, approximately 10, though the final number hasn't been determined yet.
The board voted to take advantage of this opportunity.
The next regular meeting of the CCRTA board will be Dec. 9 at noon at the Starlight Lounge in Mahaffey.
|  |
|
|
|
