Expo board reports OCRA grant round and museum fundraising; building now has electricity

A visitor representing the Expo/Heritage group told the Park Board that the expo’s re‑application to the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) is in its second round and that the group held a public meeting to satisfy grant‑publicity requirements. The visitor said the building now has electricity and that a second phase of fundraising — a “moving forward” campaign — will launch in October with a year‑end goal to demonstrate progress for grant reviewers.

The visitor said the expo group met with Jim Ward and others to coordinate finishing electrical, insulation and HVAC work so the building shows momentum. The group reported plans to raise funds to continue work if the OCRA grant is not awarded in this round. The visitor also said that the Sanders shelter location remains under discussion and that Habitat for Humanity has been mentioned as a possible partner to reduce construction costs.

Representatives said they will publicize the next grant meeting, likely in November, and will continue coordinating with county staff; they asked park board members to visit the new expo facility and to coordinate dates. The visitor said electricity bills are currently sent to the Expo representative and that multiple REMC bills cover different building components; the expo treasurer requested that park staff notify them if any REMC bills are received.

No formal park board action was recorded on the OCRA grant or fundraising, but the expo representative asked for continued cooperation between the park and expo groups on site use and on scheduling events and site visits. The board agreed to help coordinate tours and to consider joint planning as the grant process proceeds.