Wickiup Hill expansion gets another chance with supervisors

TODDVILLE - Linn County will hold a public hearing Wednesday on whether to bond for $1.2 million to help expand an outdoor learning center near Toddville, and bond for $2 million to pay for two other projects.

The money to expand the Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center would be a challenge grant, paid only if the Linn County Conservation Board could raise an additional $1.5 million to finance the $2.7 million project.

Conservation officials want to move their headquarters to the site northwest of Cedar Rapids, which would allow Wickiup Hill to stay open full time because the building would be staffed continuously.

“Ninety percent of Linn County residents don't even know Wickiup Hill exists, because it's only open 10 to 15 hours a week,” Supervisor Brent Oleson said. “They wouldn't even have to hire additional staff, and they could keep it open 60 hours a week.”

Linn conservation leaders have long wanted to move their offices to Wickiup Hill and expand the center. In May 2008, the Conservation Board approved plans for an expansion, but supervisors shelved the project after the flood.

Supervisor Linda Langston said she is skeptical the board can raise the money they need to fully fund the expansion. She suggests they conduct a feasibility study, and do a better job of planning for the campaign.

“I don't think we're all on the same page yet,” she said.

Neither Langston nor Oleson wants to bond for the project unless the Conservation Board raises the rest of the money.

The supervisors can bond for up to $1.2 million for a project without voter approval. Linn County has $750 million in bonding authority, and no debt.

Meanwhile, Oleson pointed out, bond interest rates are as low as they have been in 44 years.

Old plans for the Wickiup expansion would add nearly 2,700 square feet of exhibit space to the center, which opened in 2002.

The building overlooks wetlands to the west and backs up to miles of forest and trails in the hills along the Cedar River. Plans call for nearly 4,000 additional square feet to make room for the seven administrative staff and to add a library, break room, filing room and mailroom.

The addition would be on the back of the building, which was designed with an expansion in mind.

The county will also consider bonding to pay for the recently constructed Elections Depot and to finance repairs at the Linn County Courthouse that may not be covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.