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DWI prevention presenter seeks outside funding for school and VR projects; county to consider support
Summary
Grant County's DWI prevention program reported priorities including a legislative conference, a VR 'scenario' pilot with Aldo Leopold, school prevention work and hosting Team Maze 2027; the presenter said some interventions need outside funding because federal sources (described as FAA) will not fund them.
At the meeting the DWI prevention program representative summarized the program's first-quarter priorities and fundraising needs, telling commissioners the program is tracking bills that could affect future funding, launching a VR "scenario" project, and continuing school-based prevention in partnership with local schools. "We're looking at the new scenario project with the VR goggles. We will be meeting with Aldo Leopold next week to start that process," the presenter said.
The presenter explained that larger multi-agency, overnight student events have significant costs and likely require outside funding: "Based off of the setup that was done... their budget was in the neighborhood of about 25,000," he said, listing hotel, food, and agency costs as drivers. He added that the program is pursuing grant funding for 2027 and plans to host Team Maze 2027 in Grant County.
Commissioners and others described ways to support outreach: one commissioner urged continued school assemblies and noted volunteers historically presented impactful, low-cost programs; the presenter said prior partnerships included sheriff's deputies and a now-dormant WISAP Coalition and that organizing the event again will require rebuilding those relationships. The presenter said the program is exploring external grants because some interventions are "not evidence based to the level that the FAA wants to provide funding for it" and therefore will not qualify for that funding source.
Commissioners expressed support and offered to help coordinate volunteers and agency partners. The commission did not take a formal vote on funding at the meeting.
