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Lee County Will Contribute to Project

Lee County will provide money for a proposed sports complex in Fort Madison.  The decision comes after the Board of Supervisors spent weeks rejecting requests for funding.

The Vision Iowa Board has said that Fort Madison’s request for more than $800,000 will not be considered without a $25,000 contribution from the county.  The program requires city, county, and public support for a project.

The Board of Supervisors has agreed to send a letter to Vision Iowa that guarantees Lee County will make the $25,000 payment to the project.  The letter says the money will either come as a one-time, lump sum payment or in five installments of five-thousand dollars a year.

The money will come from the county’s new Community Development Fund.  It is to be supported by public donations.

The fund was developed so the county would not have to commit tax revenue to the complex, which will feature three football/soccer fields and three baseball/softball diamonds.

There is just $1,500 in the fund.  Supervisor Rick Larkin provided $1,000 while Supervisor Larry Kruse made the first pledge of $500.

Several supervisors say they have been assured that the money will be in the fund when it is needed. 

The Vision Iowa  meets next week.

Supervisor Gary Folluo cast the lone no vote in regards to the letter.  He says he did not like the idea of the county guaranteeing the money.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.