Although it’s a long shot, the City of Two Rivers will try for a grant to make improvements to a much-talked-about concessions stand.
The city council voted 6-2 last night to apply for a USDA Rural Business Development Grant for about $260,000.
The project at the Neshotah Beach Concessions Stand would then restart with renovations to the restrooms and picnic shelter, while allowing other businesses to use the stand.
Money for a part of the project would come from $100,000 in funding and $150,000 in local grants.
Some council members had concerns with Adam Wachowski and Tim Pietri not being in favor of turning the stand into a “kitchen,” while Katherin Dahlke asked about how this would provide job creation, a requirement for the grant.
She said she’s not sure if the city can get enough points for the grant.
“I did go back and look at what grants were provided in prior years,” she explained. “(Kordell) did say it’s a long shot. I think it’s going to be a long shot because other municipalities showed opportunities that were substantial to their communities. This doesn’t strike me as substantial impact to the community.”
City Manager Kyle Kordell explains to Seehafernews.com that you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
He also reiterated, “This project will not move forward unless at least 50% of it is funded by outside money and not our residents’ money.”
Kordell calls the changes to the concession stand practical.
“We’re trying to add toilets so there’s not a long line,” he noted. “We’re trying to have some private changing areas inside and make the kitchen area better. Which would open it up for the private sector to take it over in the future, with the government getting out of the way.”
The council will not know until this fall if they will receive the grant.
