May 24, 2021

(DEADLINE: July 23) City Soliciting Vision Fund Proposals From Public

The Canyon Lake Dam Restoration Project is one of dozens of community projects funded with Vision Funds since the 1990s.  The City Council has approved the members for the next Vision Fund Citizens Committee and also approved the submission process.  Project applications will be accepted through July 23. The Canyon Lake Dam Restoration Project is one of dozens of community projects funded with Vision Funds since the 1990s. The City Council has approved the members for the next Vision Fund Citizens Committee and also approved the submission process. Project applications will be accepted through July 23. (City File Photo/Darrell Shoemaker)

CITY SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR POTENTIAL VISION FUND PROJECTS

Rapid City, SD (May 21): The City is accepting public proposals for Vision Fund projects beginning May 24th through July 23rd, 2021.

Vision Fund projects will be considered for a three-year plan period by the Vision Fund Citizen Committee with approximately $24 million in Vision Fund revenue available. All projects in the plan shall be located within the city limits of Rapid City or benefit the City as a whole.  The City Council may approve the use of Vision Funds to finance buildings, facilities, infrastructure or other capital projects.

Examples of Vision Fund community projects approved by the City Council in the past include the West and South Middle School Community Gyms, Rural America Initiatives’ Community Center, Journey Museum, Skyline Wilderness Park, Canyon Lake Dam Restoration, Roosevelt Swim Center’s 50-meter outdoor pool, and Main Street Square.

Project applications can be found on the Vision Fund Citizen Committee page on the City’s website or obtained in hard copy from the Mayor's Office. Please direct questions to the Mayor's Office at (605) 394-4110.

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COUNCIL CONFIRMS VISION FUND COMMITTEE MEMBERS;

APPROVES PROCESS, SOLICITATION FOR PUBLIC PROPOSALS

Public Proposal Submissions Accepted May 24-July 23

RAPID CITY, SD--At Monday night’s meeting (May 17), the City Council confirmed appointments to the Vision Fund Citizen Committee, approved a three-year plan for the next round of projects and authorized the solicitation of potential projects from the public.

            Members of the Committee are voting members Jim Keck, William Spindle, Beth Keeney, Marta Olson-Rangitsch, Kevin Crosby, James Haar, Kim Morsching, Christine Stephenson and W. Kevin Maher.  Serving as alternate non-voting members are Jennifer Rice and Al Rodriguez.  There will also be two liaisons from the Youth City Council.  Maher will serve as the Committee’s chairman.

            The purpose of the Committee is to accept and take comments on potential Vision Account projects.  The Committee will evaluate potential projects and provide recommendations to the City Council.  The Council previously authorized utilizing half of the expected annual Vision Funds for community projects with the other half utilized to pay on bonds for construction of the new Summit Arena. 

The origin of the Vision Fund dates back to 1972 when voters approved a half-penny sales tax increase with the revenue to be spent on the building of the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.  In the mid-1990s, voters approved continuation of the half-cent tax to build a fund to support community projects.

            The estimated Vision Fund revenue available for projects is approximately $24 million over the next three-year project plan.

            The City will be accepting public proposals for Vision Fund projects beginning May 24 to July 23.  The process will also include committee working sessions and public hearings in late summer and fall with recommendations to Council anticipated in November.

            Examples of Vision Fund projects approved by the City Council in the past include Rural America Initiatives' Community Center, Harney Little League renovations, South Middle School and West Middle School Community Gym facilities, Wellfully Premier Adolescent Care Center, Skyline Wilderness Park, Main Street Square, Rapid City BMX Park upgrades, Youth and Family Services Kitchen Remodel, Rushmore Little League field lighting, Horace Mann Pool, Airport Terminal Expansion, Swim Center's 50 meter pool, Community Health Center of the Black Hills' Mental Health Pod and Canyon Lake Dam Reconstruction. 

            Project applications will be available next week on the City's website and available for pick up in the Mayor's Office.

 

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