Conservation Board still scrambling for Nature Center funds

Young nature lovers enjoyed some time recently near the butterfly house adjacent to the Dickinson County Nature Center. Activities continue at the Kenue Park complex, despite a funding shortage for completion of the Nature Center's interior.

The Dickinson County Conservation Board has been granted a 30-day extension to secure funds for the Nature Center's interior renovation project.

The extension was granted by the Eckhart Construction, the company submitting the lowest bid on the project. At a cost of $817,880, Eckhart Construction would complete the multi-floor renovation of the facility. The bid was set to expire on June 20, but the 30-day extension gives the board a bit more time to find funds.

"We're still scrambling," said John Walters, executive director for the Dickinson County Conservation Board. "Now the heat is on us to try to come up with that money."

Funding pledged by the Dickinson County Supervisors, University of Okoboji Foundation and other entities leaves the board with a shortfall of approximately $311,200.

"We have some potential [funding options] out there - some grant sources, and we could really use some of the stimulus money out there," said Walters.

Another option for the Conservation Board is to revise the scope of the project and complete one floor with available funds. However, because of legal requirements, the project would need to be re-engineered and rebid.

"Because of legalities, we can't reduce the project to fit the money on hand," said Walters.

Eckhart Construction's bid is now good through late July, and Walters hopes this is long enough to obtain sufficient grant funds and donations to complete the entire project.

Donations may be mailed to Conservation Foundation of Dickinson County, P.O. Box 973, Okoboji, Iowa 51355. Those interested may also call Barbara Tagami for donation information at 330-1080.