Forty-three thousand dollars down, another $32,000 to go.
Asbestos cleanup has begun at the SASCU Memorial Arena, but funds are still needed to cover the $75,000 remediation.
The Salmar Community Association has already donated $18,000 towards the expense and $5,000 has been donated by Mounce Construction. On Monday, Salmon Arm city council approved another $20,000 grant, as requested by the Salmon Arm and Shuswap Lake Agricultural Association.
The city funds were made available through a reallocation of money budgeted for building department wages and benefits.
Coun. Alan Harrison emphasized the grant money for this “unplanned expense” would be a one-off, and suggested SASLAA take it into account when the organization submits to the city it’s annual grant funding request in 2017.
The clean-up effort is nearing completion; however, a fundraising effort to cover the remaining $37,000 cost is ongoing.
SASLAA is reaching out to the public and business community for support. A charitable tax receipt will be issued for donations, which can be mailed to the SASLAA office at 351, 3rd Street SW, Salmon Arm, V1E1V4.
Anyone wanting more information is asked to call 250-832-0442, and leave a message if no one is available.