Community projects: Only Lamont, Oakesdale look to county for .09 funding grants

Just two towns put forth applications for a share of Whitman County’s .09 economic development dollars.

Lamont and Oakesdale were the lone applicants for a share of the $100,000 made available by county commissioners.

As per state requirements, the funds are to be awarded to projects that create jobs and bring new business to area towns. The funds derive from a portion of the state’s share of Whitman County sales tax revenue.

Applications will be reviewed and awards will be granted by the county’s Blue Ribbon Advisory Task Committee. The committee is scheduled to meet early next month.

Lamont is asking for $52,000 in .09 dollars to help build a 960-square foot building for a library and sheriff’s office.

The town is currently the only in Whitman County to not have library services. Mayor Steve Lacy said bringing in library services will help citizens seek jobs, will provide librarian jobs and will provide youth with after school activities.

He added other towns, like Malden, have had high-speed internet brought to them through grants they obtained because they have libraries.

Total cost of the project is estimated at $71,500, with volunteer labor and material and Lamont municipal funds anticipated to fill in the funding gap.

Lacy also said an unofficial “Friends of the Lamont Library” group has started up in town to spearhead fundraising efforts.

Oakesdale has asked for $27,604 to complete its business incubator above the library.

With .09 funds granted the town two years ago, Oakesdale renovated its old fire station into business space to lease to start-up companies. This year’s request would expand that space.

The town originally asked for funds to renovate the entire building in 2008, but settled for half when the Blue Ribbon Advisory Committee decided to partially fund several projects.

The first half was finished last December.

Town clerk Mary DeGon said several businesses have expressed interest in the current space, but have told her they would like bigger offices.

She added a wind power company has expressed serious interest in occupying the expanded office space.

Total cost of the project, including remodel and electrical work, is estimated at just shy of $37,000. The town would pay costs over the .09 request, said DeGon.

The remainder of the $100,000 in .09 funds will be set aside to guarantee an anticipated $9.1 million bond issuance to fund infrastructure at Boise-based Hawkins Companies’ proposed Stateline Shopping Center.

Last year, .09 funding paid for projects in Pullman, Tekoa and the Garfield/Farmington Hospital District.