Pool grant approved and accepted

On April 8, 2016, a grant written by Lisa Jourdan, clerk/treasurer of the Town of Ekalaka, was mailed to Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. After almost a year of patient waiting, Ekalaka Town Council members accepted the grant agreement as presented from Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks for $150,000 at their March 21, 2017 meeting. This grant is for the construction of a new swimming pool in Ekalaka.

The $150,000 in grant funds, plus other funds of: $38,685.63, restricted town cash; $108,499.95, pool committee funds; $11,945.20, Lions Club; and $12,003.06, Meadowlark Club provide a grand total of $321,133.84 available for a new pool and bathhouse.

This Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant is a 50/50 matching grant program. To receive the money, the town must make full payment on all project expenses before being reimbursed. In the end, the LWCF grant pays for 50% of the project and the town will pay for the other 50% of project costs.

It is anticipated that the town council will be seeking proposals for the facility within the next few months. However, it is projected that the above funding will fall $150,000 - $200,000 short of what is needed to make the project a reality. Thus, the town would really appreciate any financial support that could finally get this pool and bathhouse constructed.

To contribute a tax deductible donation for a new Ekalaka swimming pool, please mail a check (payable to the Town of Ekalaka) to: Town of Ekalaka, PO Box 338, Ekalaka, MT 59324. Indicate in the memo line "New Pool."

This project has been in the making for over 20 years.