McDowell County approves commitment for recreation‑center grant and 5% local match

The McDowell County Board on a voice vote approved a resolution to pursue state Department of Commerce grant funding to renovate the Marion recreation center and pledged a 5% local cash match.

Parks staff presented the rural downtown economic grant opportunity, saying the program offers "up to $850,000 with a 5% local cash match" and that the recreation center at 25 Academy Street qualified. The presenter outlined five prioritized improvements: replacement of interior and exterior doors to meet code and ADA requirements, replacement of a compromised glass atrium, a full ADA bathroom remodel, new slip‑resistant hallway flooring, and replacement of the gymnasium floor with new striping for volleyball and pickleball in addition to basketball lines.

The presenter said he had accounted for 40 jobs in the designated area, which he estimated would translate to roughly $500,000 in potential grant funds, and that the project's estimated cost is about $318,733 with a 5% local match of $15,937. "So I've already completed most of the items on this grant," the presenter told the board as he asked for a resolution committing the county to the project and to provide the local match.

Chair (speaker 1) moved to approve the resolution; the motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote of "Aye." After the vote the chair praised Parks staff for recent improvements, saying the facility "gets used every day" and that people have commented positively on the work staff has done.

The board's approval authorizes staff to continue work on grant applications and obligates the county to provide the advertised 5% local cash match from county funds. Staff said the match would come from the present Parks budget if the board confirms the appropriation.

The next procedural step is for staff to finalize the grant application materials and, if the grant is awarded, to return to the board with any required project documents or budget adjustments.