During recent White County Commission action, commissioners approved a resolution that would provide the remaining funds needed for the installation of an elevator at the American Legion building.
Resolution #66-06-11 allows for the borrowing of approximately $80,000 with repayment to be split between the county and the American Legion, with each making $4,000 annual payments, for a total of $8,000 annual payments.
The elevator is estimated to cost approximately $130,000, and American Legion officials have worked to acquire approximately $30,000 in donations so far.
A $20,000 grant is also available for the project; but which requires the majority of the funding be in place before the funds are approved.
The funding issue made its way through Steering Committee A and the Budget and Finance Committee before being approved by the full court at the June meeting.
Once the final details of the funding are in place, American Legion officials hope to start construction on the project soon.
According to Veteran’s Service Officer John Hitchcock, the need for the elevator has become increasingly evident and would assist disabled and aging veterans in reaching the upper floors of the 79-year-old facility.
The American Legion offers a variety of services to White County veterans at the facility, which includes a large community meeting room on the second floor.
While American Legion officials continue to ask for and receive donations, future fundraisers will also be held to assist in paying for the much-needed elevator.
