Committee backs submitting FEMA pre‑application to include community safe room in long‑term ice arena plan

Marathon County staff told the Environmental Resources Committee they submitted a FEMA pre-application to explore adding a community safe room into a long‑term ice arena rebuild or renovation and asked the committee to forward a letter indicating county support for a 25% local match if the project were awarded.

Jamie Polley said the county received a FEMA-funded feasibility grant to study long-term ice-arena options and that FEMA’s mitigation grants can fund a significant portion of construction for community safe rooms attached to recreation facilities. The park commission authorized staff to submit a pre-application; staff filed the sub-application the prior week and sought the committee’s recommendation that the county board sign a nonbinding letter stating the county would provide a 25% local match if awarded the grant.

Polley said the pre-application estimates the usable safe-room portion at $9,700,000; if FEMA awarded funds, the county would provide a 25% match, which could be met by a combination of local funds, in-kind services, donations or partnerships. The committee approved forwarding the letter for county-board signature by voice vote.

Committee members said pursuing grant funding and community partnerships was a practical way to advance a larger, long‑term facility plan without relying solely on the county tax levy; staff emphasized that the letter does not commit the county to accept a grant until the board approves a final award and match plan.