The Iowa County Board of Supervisors voted to provide a letter of support for a grant application to improve the boat ramp and amenities at Gateway Park, after staff and project representatives outlined a $247,710 project that would be eligible for a 75% state cost-share reimbursement.

Project representatives told the board the estimated total cost is $247,710, with the parking lot alone estimated at $97,000 and the sidewalk at about $32,000. The grant administrator, referenced to the board by staff, told the project lead that the grant is a cost-share program covering 75% of eligible expenses; using the $247,710 estimate, that reimbursement would total roughly $185,783, leaving a county share of about 25%.

Board members and the applicant discussed options to reduce local costs, including using a crushed-rock parking surface instead of full concrete to cut roughly $70,000–$80,000 from the estimate. The applicant said some work — trail mowing, sand purchases for a launch area, and certain labor — could be completed by county crews to further limit costs.

To cover the county’s share, the project lead described a mix of sources: drawing $110,000 from the county donations fund (structured as a temporary borrowing with planned reimbursement from the grant), $90,000 from the county park-improvement fund, and $45,000 from outside pledges (a $35,000 pledge from the Gateway Improvement Group and a $10,000 pledge from Friends of Iowa County). The donations fund balance cited during the discussion was $113,000. The group also plans a fundraising gala on Oct. 11; proceeds from that event were described as additional, but not yet finalized, contributions.

Supervisors discussed phasing the work if costs remain high and relying on donations or in-kind contributions for some components such as shelters and trail extensions. Staff clarified that the state grant reimburses actual eligible costs and that any lower final costs would reduce both the grant payment and the county’s share proportionally.

The board approved a motion directing staff to produce a letter of support for the grant application. During the discussion supervisors asked project staff to continue refining cost estimates and confirmed that the county would not fund overruns beyond the identified funds unless the supervisors later authorized additional spending.

Citizen comments at the meeting expressed support for the project’s timing and its potential to serve growing local outdoor recreation demand, including anglers, paddlers and trail users.

The board asked staff to prepare the support letter on county letterhead and to return with any further motions or formal agreements needed if the grant is awarded.