Current Article

Monthly Navigator, Volume 1, Issue 2, October 2009

“TIME-TRAVEL” BY ITM PRESIDENT - GERRY SCHNEPF
The Speed of Money!
Funding for the Iowa Transportation Museum is somewhat like time travel. It can be fast, furious and exhilarating, but, on the other hand, it can also be slower than a tow boat going upstream in the Mis-souri River. We are still in need of between $750,000 and $1,000,000 before the city can let the con-tract. Five options are now being pursued:
Continued fund raising with targeted calls on potential major donors.
Exploring the concept of a USDA Rural Development loan.
Working with the Iowa Office of Energy Independence for consideration of an Energy grant from a $9.6 million dollar federal allocation just received by the State.
Exploring contractual options with RDG that may allow the city to proceed with the existing funds and pledges.
Historic tax credits at the State and Federal level that may total over $1.5 million continue to show promise.
Positive action on anyone of the five or combinations of them can greatly accelerate the speed of the project. The Governor’s Office, Senator Tom Reilly, Scott Allen from RDG and Cal Hultman are working on our behalf in support of the above programs. Their efforts are truly appreciated. All five options will continue to require a considerable effort by the Board and staff. Let’s keep the wheels on track and moving at greater speed.

Annual Meeting—October 20
Don’t forget the 2009 Annual Meeting on Tuesday, October 20. We will again meet at the Grinnell Col-lege Glove Factory Building. We will begin promptly at 10 AM and a light lunch will be served. This year our theme is “Road Building”. Kenneth Bucklin who has served on the ITM Board, and is now cur-rently on the ITM Advisory Committee, will share his memories as a young engineer surveying the build-ing of Interstate 80 across central Iowa. Please RSVP Susan Hiner at ssnhiner@yahoo.com .

Saturday Nov. 14, 2009, the ITM will be hosting a fund raising auction at the Grinnell Golf & Country Club. The event will start at 6:30 PM with light refreshments followed by the auction. Art items by local artists, exclusive gift certificates and many more unique items will be up for bid. Eve-ryone is invited to come and participate in a fun evening. Start your holiday shopping

Russell Grader
Restoration continues on the Russell Grader donated by the Iowa County Museum in Marengo. Van Nevel Coatings & Restoration of Victor, provided sandblasting, Southard Implement has supplied yellow paint, and application by Onthank Body & Fender, both of Grinnell will complete the work.