Coralville performing arts center could hinge on funding by lawmakers

MORAVIA - The Vision Iowa Board on Wednesday voted to move a proposal to build a performing arts center in Coralville into negotiations to receive a possible state grant.

But the likelihood that they get an award rests in part on whether the Iowa Legislature can find more money to fund the state's Community Attraction and Tourism, or CAT, program.

The city of Coralville is seeking a $1.8 million grant for its planned performing arts center, with a total project cost of roughly $10.2 million.

Vision Iowa Board Chairman Andy Anderson said the CAT program will likely not have the money to fund the Coralville project and others unless state lawmakers fund CAT next year.

"They will determine the fate of our program and the amount of money we have to use," Anderson said.

The CAT program saw $12 million in state funding this year, and Anderson is hopeful they'll see the same level of funding for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

As the state and country look to invest in infrastructure to improve the economy, Anderson cites Vision Iowa's 8-year history of doing just that.

In that time, the program has spent $340 million to leverage $1.7 billion in projects. Continuing funding for it would help put people to work and help Iowa's economy, he said.

"We know how to do infrastructure. We've done it for eight years. These are projects that the communities want. They've been asking for them; they've been planning for them," Anderson said.

Gov. Chet Culver understands the impact the program has had on communities across the state and has proposed spending $10 million on the program next year to help create jobs, said spokesman Troy Price.

Rep. Dave Jacoby, D-Coralville, serves as co-chairman of the legislative committee that oversees economic development funding. He's optimistic they'll find more money for CAT next year.

"For next year, I think we need to look hard at finding $10 million to go into that pot," Jacoby said.

Ellen Habel, assistant city administrator in Coralville, said they could break ground on the project this spring if they ultimately receive an award.

"We're excited to move forward. There's a lot of excitement in the community about his, and I think the fact that we've been successful in our fundraising in spite of the changes in the economy and the flood really shows the support we have," Habel said.

They've raised close to $900,000 already for the center which will house a 518-seat theater

Habel said the center's planned location, on the corner of Fifth Street and 12th Avenue, is in the heart of town near city hall, the recreation center, and the city's new library.

"It's very pedestrian accessible, pedestrian friendly," Habel said.