Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 27, 1990 TAG: 9004260366
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CATHRYN McCUE NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
"It looks like a wonderful community asset," said foundation Ppresident Kristin Swain from the company's headquarters in Corning, N.Y.
Swain said the pledge is considered a major contribution from the foundation's program to improve the quality of life in areas where Corning Inc. owns factories.
The foundation is funded by the company to distribute grants for civic and cultural needs, as well as educational scholarships, she said.
The grant is a dollar-for-dollar challenge to local contributors, up to a maximum of $50,000, and will be payable over a five-year period.
Bill Winfrey, Blacksburg director of parks and recreation, said the town will start fund-raising across the county soon after Town Council adopts the 1990-91 budget, scheduled at the end of this month.
"We really haven't tested the water out there, so I really can't say for sure" how successful the town will be in raising the total $50,000 from local companies and individuals, he said.
The proposed budget includes $1.5 million, which would pay for the just the pool and dressing rooms, which will be located adjacent to the Blacksburg Community Center on Patrick Henry Drive.
Other possible phases of the project include $167,000 for an aerobics room, and $304,000 for racquetball courts and a weight room.
That's where the grant money would come in.
Also, the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors is considering putting $600,000 on November's bond issue for the pool.
"If we get the money from the county, and meet the qualifications of the Corning grant, we're in," Winfrey said. "Hopefully we'll come out with the whole grand building."
Mayor Roger Hedgepeth, in a thank-you letter to the Corning Foundation, commended the organization for its involvement in the community. He mentioned recent contributions to support scholarships at Virginia Tech and New River Community College.
by CNB