Скачать или смотреть 2016-07-18 Hartman Reserve Nature Center Renovation - Myke Goings - KMDG

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Iowa nature reserve renovation project in limbo

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — The renovation of a Cedar Falls reserve nature center is in limbo after construction bids for the project came in higher than the $2.3 million secured through a volunteer fundraising effort.

The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier (http://bit.ly/29UEitK ) reports that construction bids are for replacement of the outdated east wing of Hartman Reserve Nature Center's interpretive center.

The Black Hawk County Conservation Board must decide by Aug. 7, whether to accept a low bid that would create a $762,000 shortfall for the project or reject all bids.

"It is what it is," said conservation board chair Carolyn Rafferty. "We're going to have to work with the supervisors."

Conservation staff members are expected to meet with the county Board of Supervisors on Tuesday to discuss their options.

Friends of Hartman Reserve, a nonprofit group spearheading the project, hopes the supervisors will allow the project to go on while the group continues fundraising efforts.

According to Paula Goetz, who chairs the Friend's facility committee, the group is confident there is support to get the project completed.

The original interpretive center was constructed in 1941 and is in need of structural repairs. It is used by elementary and high school students, community groups, senior citizens and businesses that need space for retreats and team-building exercises.

Goetz said it is unlikely that the project could be further scaled back and still meet growing needs.

"There were some painful decisions on how to stay within our budget already," she said. "We're still very excited. We haven't lost much and we're still able to meet program goals and community needs."

Information retrieved July 18, 2016, from http://wcfcourier.com/business/iowa-n...