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Expanded youth facilities at the Y Camp in Boone, a new community center for Windsor Heights and an expansion of the Blank Performing Arts Center in Indianola are three Greater Des Moines projects being considered for state funding through the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) program. The five-member CAT Review Committee heard presentations for each of the projects during its May 13 meeting at the Sheraton West Des Moines.

The CAT program, which has provided more than $106 million in funding to 304 projects since its inception, is funded at $12 million per year through fiscal year 2013, and has $1.2 million in funds left for fiscal 2009.

Simpson College is seeking a $1.8 million grant for a $6 million expansion of the Blank Performing Arts Center. The $6 million project calls for expanding the existing facility by 16,000 square feet. The largest commitment, $1.5 million, came from the Myron & Jacqueline Blank Fund. The city of Indianola and Warren County have each committed $10,000, and the project has also received a federal appropriation of nearly $287,000.

The city of Windsor Heights plans to build a 6,000-square-foot community center in Colby Park to house historical displays and serve as a support structure for events in the park and an outdoor performance pavilion. The city is seeking $862,696 toward the $2.7 million project. The largest portion of the project’s funding, $1.5 million, would come from the city, and Polk County has committed $300,000 in in-kind services.

Boone County and the city of Boone are seeking an $85,000 grant for a renovation and expansion project for the Y Camp, a branch of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines. The $225,500 project includes renovation and reconstruction of Heritage Hall,; construction of a new climbing tower and two treehouse cabins. The planned additions would enable the camp to accommodate 240 additional campers. The city of Boone and Boone County have each committed $2,000.

The projects are expected to be considered during the next Vision Iowa Board meeting June 10.