When the U.S. Senate rolls out its upcoming appropriations bill, don’t be surprised to see the Colonial Fox Theatre as a slated recipient for a $500,000 earmark.
Vonnie Corsini, Colonial Fox Theatre Foundation executive director, said U.S. Sens. Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback both supported the allocation, which was just under Corsini’s request for $700,000.
But the trouble could come when the bill goes to the U.S. House — Corsini said U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins didn’t support the allocation on the House’s version of the bill. Jenkins has said in the past that she will not support earmarks for non-federal purposes.
Corsini said that wouldn’t necessarily mean the theater wouldn’t receive money, just that it would likely be negotiated down to a lower number. The money would allow the foundation to address what Corsini called “the inside atmosphere,” including the potential addition of electric heating and air conditioning.
“It will smell a lot better, too,” Corsini said.
The CFTF would have to match the funds received, though Corsini said the foundation would be allowed to use volunteer hours as part of the match.
In other business, Downtown Revitalization Committee members discussed:
• the struggling façade grant program.
Judy Westhoff, downtown development director, talked about the program, which hasn’t seen a new application since Pittsburg City Commissioners approved one in January. Westhoff said she had received positive feedback about the program from outsiders who claimed that Pittsburg’s downtown area was among the better ones they had seen.
“I think that the economy has a lot to do with it,” said Commissioner Marty Beezley.
Commissioners will likely be discussing the program in the upcoming months to talk about a possible expansion or restructuring.
Westhoff said she wasn’t overly concerned, and felt there was still interest in the program. She said she was more concerned with the growing number of vacant buildings downtown.
• ways to advertise downtown during major events like the upcoming Four States Farm Show. Some members suggested features like coupon books to downtown businesses to attempt to bring more people shopping downtown.
• a silent auction and concert to take place before Pittsburg State University Homecoming. The event will be to help raise money for the Art Walk.
Kevin Flaherty can be reached at kevin.flaherty@morningsun.net or by calling 231-2600 Ext. 134
PITTSBURG —
